Princeton Rays lose to Burlington Royals 2-1

The Game: The Princeton Rays lost a close contest with the Burlington Royals 2-1 on Friday night at Burlington Athletic Park. The Royals jumped out to an early lead in the second inning. Jacob Kuebler singled to right field to start the inning. Kuebler then advanced to third on a throwing error by Julius Dettrich on a pick-off attempt. Benjamin Tschepikow then drove home Kuebler with a ground ball to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.

Princeton fought back to tie the game in the top of the third. Daniel Rhault hit a single to right to lead off the inning. Rhault advanced to second on a ground out by Alejandro Torres and later scored on an RBI double by Brian Bryles to tie the game.

Burlington regained the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Malcolm Culver singled to center to get things started. Culver then moved to second as Travis Jones drew a walk. Jovan Pickett followed with an RBI single to left to score Culver and give the Royals a 2-1 lead that they held for the remainder of the game.

Julius Dettrich was the losing pitcher, allowing 2 runs off 5 hits with 3 strikeouts and a walk in 6 innings. Scott Shuman followed, pitching 2 innings and allowing no runs on 2 hits whiles striking out 3 and walking 2. Lee Roberts was the winning pitcher for Burlington.

What Went Right: Scott Shuman; 2 shut-out innings in relief only allowing 1 hit, has not allowed a run yet this season, 6 appearances for a total of 13 innings.

What Went Wrong: Ty Morrison; 3 strike-outs out of 4 plate appearances.

A Look Ahead: The Rays and Royals play game two of the series on Saturday night at Burlington Athletic Park. Wilking Rodriguez (1-2) will be on the mound for Princeton against Gregory Billo (1-1).