Princeton Rays win big over Burlington Royals

The Game: The Princeton Rays concluded the series with a big win over the Burlington Royals 10-3 on Sunday at Burlington Athletic Park. Princeton took an early lead in the first inning. Julio Cedeno singled to center to score Ryan Wiegand for the first run of the inning. Then Geno Glynn delivered a two run single to score Seth Henry and Julio Cedeno to give the Rays a 3-0 lead.

Burlington fought back to tie the game in the bottom of the third inning. Malcom Culver drew a walk to lead off the inning. Jovan Pickett delivered an RBI single to score Culver. Then Yowill Espinal cleared the bases with a two run home run to tie the ball game.

Princeton broke the tie in the top of the fifth. Ryan Wiegand walked to start the inning then was moved to second on a single by Julio Cedeno. Geno Glynn drew a walk to load the bases. Wiegand then scored the go ahead run on a wild pitch and the Rays took a 4-3 lead.

The Rays added to their lead in the sixth inning. Brian Bryles singled to right followed by a walk to Ryan Wiegand to get things going. Seth Henry advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Then Julio Cedeno drove home both runners with a two run single to increase the lead to 6-3.

But the Rays still weren’t finished, striking for three more in the eight and another in the ninth. In the eighth it was an two run single by Ryan Wiegand to score Ty Morrison and Brian Bryles, then an RBI double by Geno Glynn to score Julio Cedeno. Then in the ninth Ryan Wiegand drove home Daniel Rhault and the Rays won 10-3.

Deivis Mavares earned the victory, pitching 6 innings and allowing 3 runs on 4 hits while striking out 9 and walking 2. Joey Callender followed with a shut-out inning with a strikeout. Then Kirby Yates closed out the game, pitching 2 no hit innings and recording 4 strikeouts. Leondy Perez was the losing pitcher for Burlington.

What Went Right: Julio Cedeno; 4 for 5 with 3 RBI’s and 2 runs scored. Ryan Wiegand; 3 for 4 with 3 RBI’s, 3 runs scored and drew 2 walks.

What Went Wrong: Ramon Novas; only Ray not to reach base by going 0-4 with a strikeout.

A Look Ahead: The Rays return home to Hunnicutt Field to begin a six game homestand that is kicked off with a three game series against the Danville Braves (31-15).