Valley Clinches Playoff Berth With Win Over Danbury
By: David Azer
The Valley Blue Sox are headed back to the NECBL playoffs after defeating the Danbury Westerners 12-6. The team is now 22-17-2 and holds a two game lead in the West Division.
After a two hour rain delay, the high-scoring game saw the Blue Sox scoring runs in five different innings.
CJ Willis began the night with a two-run homer in the top of the first inning to put Valley up 2-0 early. Willis went 2-for-5 with three RBIs on the night.
Kurt Thomas started the game for the Blue Sox, pitching two innings allowing three runs and striking out one batter.
The Westerners took the lead 3-2 following a three-run home run in the bottom of the first.
Dillon Ryan took over for Thomas in the top of the third. The right-hander pitched three innings allowing three unearned runs and struck out five.
In the top of the fourth inning, Jeff Pierantoni sent a three-run home run over the right center field wall to put the Blue Sox on top 5-3. This is the first home run of the season for Pierantoni who is usually known for his speed and contact skills.
Valley added another run in the top of the fifth inning after AJ Guerrero scored on a passed ball.
Danbury tied the game at six following two RBI singles and a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth.
After two wild pitches allowed Guerrero and EJ Kreutzmann to score, the Blue Sox took the lead right back 8-6 in the top of the sixth.
Two-way player Cian Sahler relieved Ryan in the bottom of the sixth. Sahler tossed three no-hit innings with five strikeouts to allow the Blue Sox to add plenty of insurance runs late in the game.
Valley added four more runs in the top of the eighth inning to solidify their lead. Willis hit an RBI single to score Guerrero, then Kreutzmann scored on a passed ball. Matt Bergevin then hit a two-run home run to put the team up 12-6.
Leo Harris took over for Sahler in the bottom of the ninth, pitching a scoreless frame to seal the win in an important West Division matchup.
The Blue Sox will head back home Friday night to play the Bristol Blues, who are currently 2.5 games back in the West Division. First pitch at MacKenzie Stadium is scheduled for 6:35 P.M.
