By Zach Smith. MARTINSVILLE, Va. – On a late night delayed by a broken down bus, the Boone Bigfoots relied on lengthy bullpen appearances and late game heroics to steal a thrilling, 9-8 victory over Martinsville.
The contest featured three lead changes going into the ninth inning, but Brayden Simpson ripped a 2-run double to put the ‘Foots on top before their last out. In the home half of the final frame, relief pitcher Zach Lewis shut the door on the Mustangs, earning three crucial outs on the way to his first save of the season.
Entering the contest, the CPL announced rosters for its annual All-Star Game, and both sides got to showcase their respective representatives. The Bigfoots’ selections are Nadir Lewis, Tyson Bass, Carlos Amezquita and Cordarius Butler.
Boone took a 5-4 lead after the first three innings in what looked to be an early, offensive shootout. Bats on both sides stagnated, though, as the next run wouldn’t be scored until the seventh inning. The Bigfoots extended their lead by tacking on another run but Martinsville tied the game in the bottom half of the inning. The Mustangs then took a one run lead in the eighth thanks to some defensive miscues by the ‘Foots.
Crunch Time
Boone entered the ninth inning with a one run deficit — looking to get its bats hot and stage a late, come-from-behind rally.
And they did. After a leadoff flyout, Lewis singled and Weller saw just one strike on his way to first via a walk. Wallace followed with a long fly ball to center, which moved both runners into scoring position when they made a risky decision to tag up and run on the centerfielder’s catch. Then, with the Bigfoots down to their last out, Simpson provided the decisive blow, knocking in both Lewis and Weller to push the Bigfoots in front — transforming the one-run deficit at the beginning of the inning and making it a one-run lead after the last out.
Martinsville still had one more opportunity to tie or get ahead to win the game but looked defeated already. And yet, that didn’t stop Carmichael from hitting a single to give the Virginians a glimmer of hope. Reese Robinett then put his body on the line, taking the Mustangs’ third hit-by-pitch of the game and a free pass to first base. It also put Carmichael in scoring position with the potential tying run at second base.
Boone went to the bullpen for the final time, bringing App State product Zach Lewis to the mound for a “save” opportunity. True to form, Lewis retired the next three batters on just seven pitches to solidify the win for the visitors and earn the save.
Coach has high praise
Bigfoots head coach Randall Ortiz was asked postgame about the bullpen’s ability to get the job done.
“My plan with [Jackson] Kirkpatrick was, go at least three, four innings. Of course, that didn’t work out today, but the bullpen today came big,” Ortiz said. “Guys like Nate Crissey, Parker [Kruglewicz] and Zach at the end. I think they definitely helped us win today’s game.”
Catcher Rhogue Wallace’s consistency at the plate in recent contests was also brought up by an elated Ortiz.
“He’s been the guy, he’s been swinging (the bat) well for us when he plays,” Ortiz said “Especially tonight, he had a great game. He was trying to put the ball in play every time and it definitely paid off for him.”
Ortiz also spoke on the dugout’s reaction to Simpson’s go ahead double, and what Simpson has brought to the team lately.
“It was a huge reaction from the dugout,” Ortiz said. “Lately, the past two or three weeks he got a lot better, competing on the at-bats and not a lot of swings and misses. He’s done a great job lately and that last inning was huge.”
Boone’s win improves the team record to 4-3 while Martinsville falls to 1-4. The Bigfoots are back at Smith Stadium on Wednesday at 6:30pm for a matchup against the visiting High Point- Thomasville HiToms.
