Former ValleyCat Helps Own Cause VS Mets

The New York Mets lost a tough game in 13 innings yesterday as the White Sox won the series finale 2-1.

Former Tri-City ValleyCat Matt Albers had a memorable day to say the least.

Albers entered the game in the 12th inning to relieve White Sox closer David Robertson. With the pitcher having to bat in the National League, Albers was handed a bat by teammate Mat Latos and headed toward the on-deck circle.

After a pair of weak hacks, Mets Pitcher Logan Verrett tried to finish off Albers by blowing a fastball by him, but instead, Albers sent that pitch to the opposite field for his first career double.

"A lot of guys were laughing, saying like how funny that was," Albers said in the clubhouse. "They basically couldn't believe that I did that."

Albers was 2-34 in his major league career; that's a whopping .059 batting average. That was his first hit in nearly 9 years and he hasn't taken an at-bat since 2009.

Albers scored the winning run later in the inning on a sacrifice fly by Jose Abreu.

The hefty pitchers day wasn't over quite yet as he still had to retire the Mets in the bottom of the inning.

"That hit means nothing if I don't go out there and get those next three outs," Albers said.

Albers then went in and retired the Mets in the bottom of the inning to seal the deal.

Albers played for the ValleyCats in 2003 and was the first Tri-City player to make it to the big leagues.