River Turtles drop opener to Burlington, 4-3

The Pulaski River Turtles fell in their 2022 season opener at Calfee Park Thursday night when Burlington rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth to win, 4-3.

Pulaski was riding high going into the ninth with a 3-1 lead, holding Burlington scoreless since the Sock Puppets scored first on a wild pitch.

In the top of the ninth, Burlington put together a one-out walk, a single, two doubles and a fielders choice to score three runs and take the lead.

In the bottom of the ninth, the River Turtles started a rally via a hit batter with Pulaski’s Konner Kinkade reaching first.

The rally was shortlived, however, when Joe Kinneberg grounded into a 4-6-3 double play.

Pulaski’s last chance in the game ended with Romeo Ballesteros’ pop up to second base.

Leading the way offensively for the River Turtles was Alec DeMartino and Michael Groves.

DeMartino had two hits, including the team’s first home run of the season. He added another hit and a walk during the game and scored all three of Pulaski’s runs.

Groves went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Luke Reed got the start on the bump for Pulaski, going three innings and allowing only one hit, two walks and one earned run.

Kobe Head took the loss for Pulaski, going two and two-thirds, allowing three hits, two walks and three earned runs while striking out three.

Official attendance for the game was 1,450.

Tonight the River Turtles get a shot at revenge as they host the Sock Puppets again at 7 p.m. before heading to Tennessee on a four-game roadtrip.