Tri-City ValleyCats Season Ends On A Down Note In New York-Penn League Championship Loss To Hudson Valley Renegades

Looking for their second New York-Penn League championship in the last three years, the Tri-City ValleyCats came up a bit short, losing the final two games at Dutchess Stadium and losing the series 2-1 to the Hudson Valley Renegades.

In the finale at Dutchess Stadium, the Renegades defeated the 'Cats 8-3 to win the series 2-1 and claim their first New York-Penn League championship in 13 years.

After dropping game two at Hudson Valley it all came down to the final game of the year. The Valleycats fell behind 4-0 in the 1st inning and never were able to make a strong push. Cats starter Joe Bircher, working after extended rest of seven days got hammered in the 1st inning, lasting only 1/3rd of an inning and allowing four runs on just two hits and two free passes.

His throwing error added to the woes. Bircher threw away a double play ball that he tried to dish to the second baseman, but the ball went awry. After the loss Bircher said "it was just one of those nights. I just didn't get the job done and it just stinks that it is the end of the year."

Tri-City tried to rally but could only push across one run in the second and third innings. They left runners on second and third in both frames.

Tri-City, the A ball affiliate of the Houston Astros won a franchise record of 51 games this season but not the championship. After the final out manager Stubby Clapp said "There is nothing to be said. The season is over with."