ValleyCats Now Tied for Best Record in New York-Penn League

The Tri-City ValleyCats got one of their best pitching performances of the season on Thursday night in a win over the Hudson Valley Renegades.

Turns out they didn’t need it in the end, as the ‘Cats exploded for six runs in the seventh and eighth innings to turn a 0-0 nail biter into an easy 6-0 win.

With the win, the ValleyCats are now 40-20, tied with the Renegades for the best record in the New York-Penn League as we head toward the playoffs.

Francis Ramirez, Randall Fant and Derick Velazquez combined to throw a one-hitter, the lone blemish being a single off Fant in the top of the seventh. The trio combined to strike out 10 Renegades.

Tri-City was able to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh when Alex Hernandez singled and moved to second on a bunt by Ariel Ovando, and then scored on a single by catcher Alfredo Gonzalez to make it 1-0. After Gonzalez was caught stealing, shortstop Mott Hyde homered to give the ‘Cats a 2-0 lead after seven.

But the ValleyCats weren’t done in the eighth as they scored four more times, the big blow coming on a three-run homer from Terrelle Joyce, who homered for the sixth time in August (10^th this season).

Tri-City will travel to Staten Island this weekend before taking a break for the NYPL All-Star Game, which takes place on Tuesday in Brooklyn.