Hudson Valley Renegades end skid with 4-2 win over State College

The Game: The Hudson Valley Renegades snapped their losing streak with a 4-2 win over the State College Spikes on Saturday night at Dutchess Stadium. The Spikes scored first, pushing across a run in the second inning. Pat Irvine led off the inning with a triple to right field and later scored on a ground ball by Butch Biela to give the Spikes a 1-0 advantage.

The Renegades match the run and raised it one in the third. Elias Otero led off with a double and then Chris Murrill was hit by a pitch to give Hudson Valley runners on first and second. A sacrifice bunt by Dustin Biell advanced both runners into scoring position. Tyler Bortnick drove home both runners with a two run double to left and the Renegades took the lead 2-1.

Hudson Valley increased their lead in the fifth inning. Chris Murrill singled on a bunt to get thing started. Murrill then stole second and later scored on a single by Dustin Biell to give the Renegades a 3-1 lead.

State College posted another run in the sixth as Brock Holt led off the inning with a ground rule double to left. Holt then advanced to third on wild pitch by Alexander Colome. Justin Byler followed with an RBI single to score Holt and pull the Spikes within one, 3-2.

Hudson Valley added an insurance run in the eighth. Dustin Biell singled to second to start the inning. Biell then stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by State College catcher Craig Perry. Tyler Bortnick then delivered an RBI single to first, scoring Biell and giving the Renegades a 4-2 win.

Alexander Colome picked up the win, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 7 and walking 4. Doug Salinas pitched 2 innings and did not allow a hit while striking out 3 and walking 1. Zachary Quate earned the save with 1 2/3 no hit innings and 3 strikeouts. Kyle McPherson was the losing pitcher for State College.

What Went Right: Tyler Bortnick; 2 for 4 with a double and 3 RBI’s. The bullpen; combined for 3 2/3 innings of no hit baseball with 6 K’s.

What Went Wrong: Burt Reynolds; 0-4 with 2 K’s.

A Look Ahead: The Renegades and Spikes finish out their three game series on Sunday evening at Dutchess Stadium. Jason McEachern (0-3) will start against Maurice Bankston (2-4).