Revolution Rough up the Bluefish in Twin Bill

By Corey Righter on September 10, 2008

YORK, PA – York has found themselves in the midst of a three game losing streak for the first time since Jul. 13. Things have changed since then, including an eight game winning streak and moving from two games back in third place to 2.5 games ahead in first place after tonight.

Wasting no time, York halted the losing skid and placed the previous night’s double header losses in the past. The Revs’ first game of the double header against the visiting Bridgeport Bluefish turned out to be another team record by scoring nine runs in the second inning, which led to a 12-0 rout making the second long day worthwhile.

Under Atlantic League rules the games consisted of seven innings rather than the normal nine.

The explosive second inning has been common is the past week for the Revolution. Last Thursday the Revs accumulated eight consecutive hits and scored seven in the second inning. In the twin bill the second inning was the big inning in both games.

“I don’t know, I can’t really explain it,” laughed York manager Chris Hoiles.

The big inning was brought to life as Sandy Aracena smashed a towering drive to left center putting York on top 2-0. Newly reacquired infielder Kenny Perez made an impact in his fifth game back with the Revs by clocking a two run double to right center. Bridgeport pitcher Mike Connolly would last just 1 1/3 inning earning all nine runs and the inning would bring 15 Revolution players to bat.

Perez was recently with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the AAA affiliate of the Rockies. He batted .338 in 51 games during his stint with the minor league club.

“I think it’s a great honor, to be back with York, this is a great group a guys to play with,” smiled Perez, who is one of four recently acquired players by the Revolution.

York pitcher Corey Thurman posted an almost perfect outing as he gave up just one hit and no runs along with three strikeouts. Thurman’s 11th win on the season marked a new team record for wins in a season. The feat is quite remarkable after losing his first six starts this season.

“One of the adjustments we made was not throwing as much in between starts,” commented Thurman.
“Run support as of late, has not been an issue when Thurman has been on the mound. York hitters have scored 23 runs combined in his last two starts. “It always helps when the guys spot nine runs for you,” smiled Thurman.

After a thirty minute break York and Bridgeport were back at it for the second game on the night. Pitcher Wayne Franklin made a spot start and pitched a quality game going five innings giving up two runs including a Ryan Bear homer in the 2nd inning.

However the bullpen and the Revolution defense would hit a snag in the seventh inning as the visitors would add three runs before reliever Franklin Nunez buckled down and forced Bridgeport’s Alex Prieto to ground out to end the game to give York the 6-5 victory.

York again used the second inning to get ahead 3-1 as catcher Luis Taveras knocked a double to the left center wall scoring Edgard Clemente and Kenny Perez. Jose Enrique Cruz continued the rally by scorching a line drive past third for a single, scoring Taveras.

Bridgeport would add a run in the following inning on a Prieto sacrifice fly, scoring Luis Rodriguez making the score 3-2.

In the fourth Esquivel knocked in a run on shallow fly ball to right scoring Taveras. Fortunately the Revs added two more in the fifth inning when Clemente led off with a double, who would go on to score on Matt Dryer’s single to right. Center fielder Kennard Jones singled to left and Dryer scored from third tacking on the sixth and final run for the Revolution.

Patience was a key factor in the Revs’ victories as Bridgeport pitching struggled and allowed 16 walks in the double header combined. Game one included 11 free passes, marking a season high.

Franklin earned his tenth win of the season and his team record 18th career win.

“Wayne did an unbelievable job to spot start like he did,” said Hoiles.

With a Newark loss to Southern Maryland, York increased their first place lead to 2.5 games. York will face Newark in a three game series beginning September 15th most likely will play a significant role in York’s quest for the playoffs.

Wednesday night York will face the Bluefish in one of the 13 remaining games on the season and LHP Rolando Viera (3-1, 1.34) will take on LHP Ryan DiPietro (4-5. 5.14) at 7:07p.m.

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