Princeton Rays rally late to defeat Pulaski Mariners 5-4

The Game: The Princeton Rays won their seventh game in a row and swept their second series in as many tries by battling back to beat the Pulaski Mariners 5-4 at Calfee Park on Sunday. Pulaski took an early lead in the second inning off a solo home run by Cesar Fuentes putting the Mariners ahead 1-0.

Pulaski added to their lead in the fifth inning. Mark McGonigle lead off the inning with a walk then advanced to third on a single by Steve Baron to left field. Gabriel Noriega drove home McGonigle to increase the Mariners lead to 2-0.

The Rays reached the scoreboard in the sixth inning as Brian Bryles led off the inning with a single to short. Ryan Wiegand followed with a single to right advance the runner to third base. Julio Cedeno then singled home the run with a line drive to right, pulling the Rays to within one.

Princeton rallied to take the lead in the eighth inning. Kyle Spraker led off the inning with a single to center followed by a single by Alejandro Torres. Daniel Rhault then single to right allowing Spraker to score the first run of the inning. Then Ty Morrison cleared the bases with a three run home run to give the Ray a 5-2 lead.

Pulaski tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the inning. Dwight Britton doubled to left to get things going. Vincent Catricala then reached on a fielding error which was then followed by Jharmidy De Jesus being struck by a pitch to load the bases. Cesar Fuentes drove home two runs with a ground ball to short. The Mariner rally fell short and the Rays held on to win 5-4.

Wilking Rodriguez started the game, pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing 2 runs on 4 hits with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks in the no decision. Joey Callender earned the victory by pitching 3 1/3 innings and allowing 2 unearned runs on 3 hits while striking out 2. Jairo De La Rosa recorded the save with a no hit ninth inning, lowering his ERA to 0.57 on the season. Jorden Merry recorded the loss for Pulaski.

What Went Right: Ty Morrison; put the Rays ahead with a 3 run home run.

What Went Wrong: Ramon Novas; 0 for 4 with 2 K’s.

A Look Ahead: The Rays are off on Monday then travel to Danville for a three game series against the division leading Danville Braves (27-13).