Bristol takes series finale from Pulaski, 9-6
The Pulaski River Turtles fall to the Bristol State Liners late in a 9-6 loss on Sunday night.
Bristol attacked first, scoring four runs in the top of the second. A 2 RBI single by second baseman Tahir Muelens put Bristol up 2-0, then a 2 RBI double by left fielder Blake Wood put them up 4-0.
That lead then was reduced to only one in the bottom of the frame. An RBI single from first baseman Joe Kinneberg brought in designated hitter Irvin Escobar and gave the River Turtles their first run of the game. Continuing his success from last night, left fielder TJ Fondtain brought in two more runs off a single to right field and make it 4-3.
Pulaski then tied it up in the third thanks to an RBI single from Kinneberg, which brought right fielder Christian Smith and make it 4-4.
The game remained tied until a two-run shot by right fielder Sean Smith put the State Liners ahead 6-4.
In the sixth, Pulaski knotted it up at six. A controversial call at first led to a double play that called third baseman Konner Kinkade out, but that brought in shortstop Romeo Ballesteros to cut the lead down to one. Then, Bristol walked with bases loaded to bring in Kinneberg and tie it up 6-6.
The seventh was the game-deciding inning of the night, as Bristol brought in three runs to take the win. The first two runs came off a 2 RBI single from designated hitter Brandon Nigh, while the final run came off an RBI single from shortstop Brandon Nigh.
Pulaski had the game-tying run at the plate but failed to bring in a run to make the final 9-6.
The winner on the mound went to reliever Kerry Wright, as he went 1 1/3 innings, allowing two hits, no runs, while walking one and striking two. The loss went to reliever Cy Fontenot, as he went one inning, while allowing three runs off two hits and walking three.
Both teams get Monday off before continuing their seasons on Tuesday. Bristol will be hosting the Greeneville Flyboys, while Pulaski will be traveling to Danville to face the Otterbots.
-Kyle Manalo