Morgantown, WV. — The Williamsport Crosscutters were unable to hold a series of one-run leads in the late stages as they fall to the West Virginia Black Bears 3-2 in 10 innings Saturday night.
Luis Encarnacion gave the Cutters an early lead, driving a Danny Beddes offering high off of the left field wall that chased home Luke Williams. It was the 10th RBI of the season for Encarnacion. It would also be the last run the Cutters would score in regulation.
Starter JoJo Romero tossed another quality outing, working six scoreless innings while scattering five hits and striking out five Black Bears batters. Romero had to settle for a no decision on the night.
West Virginia was able to even the game in the bottom of the 9th as Will Hibbs suffered his 3rd blown save on the season, allowing the tying run to score on a bases-loaded, two-out walk in the bottom of the 9th.
The Cutters were able to re-take the lead in the top of the 10th inning, thanks to a fielding error by Black Bears 2nd basemen Nick King on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Henri Lartigue. King couldn’t handle the throw, which trickled down the right field line allowing David Martinelli to score, making it 2-1.
Scott Harris was unable to hold the Cutters newly found lead, taking his first blown save and being handed his second loss, allowing the game winning, two run double to Chris Harvey in the bottom of the 10th that gave West Virginia the win..
The Cutters bullpen had a rare night, not recording a single strikeout and allowing seven walks in the loss.
The State College Spikes were able to top the Vermont Lake Monsters 3-2 in 11 innings, extending their lead in the Pinckney division to five games over the Crosscutters. Williamsport still holds the top spot in the New York-Penn League Wild Card race.
Williamsport continues their three-game set against the West Virginia Black Bears tomorrow in Morgantown. Ranger Suarez gets the nod for Williamsport. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. at Monongalia County Ballpark.
Cutter Carvings – Williamsport suffered their 2nd loss in extra-inning games, thier fist since dropping an extra-inning game at Lowell in the second series of the year…The Cutters left 11 runners on base, going 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position…Williamsport stole six bases in the loss…
