York Silences the Ducks

By Corey Righter on September 5, 2008

YORK, PA – From the get go things did not look good for the York Revolution as Long Island Ducks brought twelve men to the plate in the first two innings. However the game would quickly change as the Revolution would completely own opposing pitcher Lance Davis in the second inning by scoring seven runs on eight hits.

The powerful second inning would be the only inning York would score in the game that clinched an easy 7-4 victory over Long Island. The inning included five extra base hits and also set a team record with eight consecutive hits.

“Matt’s Row” has been coined the new term in reference to Matt Esquivel, Matt Dryer, and Matt Padgett who bat consecutively in the five, six, and seven spots. Tonight was an evident example as they starting the second inning off by all hitting doubles and scoring in the big seven run inning.

“We have made fitted hats saying “The Row” on the front, and “1/3” on the back,” laughed Esquivel.

The trio is close on and off the field along with the entire team. With the playoffs on the horizon the team is going to need a solid chemistry to make a playoff run.

“We are just making a little joke out of this and see if we can run with it and maybe sell some shirts that say Matt’s Row or something cool like that,” laughs Esquivel.

York pitcher Corey Thurman struggled through his first two innings pitched and gave up four runs along with 4 extra base hits. The top of the second, Ducks third baseman Damian Rolls and centerfielder Billy Kovatch both reached base on singles. Rightfielder Kevin Haverbushch hit a laser down the left field line recording a double scoring Rolls and Kovatch.

Haverbushch would score from third on Robert Sandora’s sacrifice fly to center. Thurman would settle down allow just two hits through the next five innings after being off course early on.

Left handed pitcher Davis was pulled after the illustrious second inning as he was shelled for seven runs giving up four consecutive doubles at one point, five altogether.

Knippschild would come into relieve to begin the third inning and Long Island pitching would hold the Revolution to just two hits for the next seven innings.

The closest the visitors would get to a comeback was in the eighth inning as second baseman Juan Francia used a nifty drag bunt for an infield single. The next batter, P.J. Rose would reach base on an error made by York first baseman Chris Ashby on a potential double play ground ball.

With one out and two on Ducks’ leftfielder Ray Navarrete hit a quick grounder to third baseman Padgett, who would begin the 5-4-3 double play to end the inning and end the Ducks’ hopes for a comeback.

Sam Snider, York Assistant coach was the interim manager in Thursday night’s game as Chris Hoiles attended family matters back home in Ohio. “It’s the way it should be,” said Snider when he was asked how it feels to be 1-0.

Snider joined the Revolution this season to replace former third base coach Ryan Minor. Snider was involved in the Orioles organization for 27 years and mainly a bullpen coach for the Baltimore Orioles for the past 21 of those years.

No word on whether Hoiles will return to the helm for tomorrow’s game. Before Thursday night’s game York added two players and traded infielder Sam Rosario back to the Nashua Pride for OF Edgard Clemente, and acquired George Sandel from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs for future considerations.

Yes, Clemente who was acquired from the Can-Am League Nashua Pride is the nephew of the late Pirates legend Roberto Clemente. This will be his second stint in the Atlantic league after playing for the Somerset Patriots in 2006.

York improves to 29-22 on the second half and 59-62 overall, meanwhile Long Island dropped to 29-24. Tomorrow’s matchup at 7:07p.m. will include York’s Rolando Viera and Long Island’s Alay Soler.

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