Pilgrims outlast Vermont in 13 innings

The Plymouth Pilgrims batted around in the top of the 13th and scored three runs to end an almost four hour game, beating the Vermont Mountaineers 5-2. It marked the end of a league-best seven game winning streak for Vermont, who dropped their first game in ten days. 

Ben Hall turns two. /Crowley Photo

It was a pitching duel to start, as both teams starters went eight innings apiece. Plymouth's Andrew Grant didn't allow a run and struck out four in a dominant start, allowing just six hits while not walking anyone. However, the Pilgrims couldn't find much offense off of Vermont starter Daniel Koger. 

Koger needed just 78 pitches to go eight innings, his only blemish coming in the seventh inning when he spotted Plymouth two runs. He was picked up by his teammates, who rallied in the bottom of the ninth, to avoid taking the loss. He gave up just five hits while striking out three.

Vermont threatened several times early against the Pilgrims, but their opportunities were squandered by double plays. Chandler Brock and Trey Amburgey hit singles in the first and Amburgey and Jack Parenty did in the second, but inning-ending double plays kept Grant's sheet clean.

Plymouth got just one runner in scoring position over the fist six inings, but three straight singles and a passed ball brought home two runs in the seventh. Michael Martin and Vince Guglietti hit back-to-back singles and moved over on a sacrifice bunt. 

Martin came home on a passed ball from Vermont catcher Josh Treff and then Guglietti came home on a RBI single from Brent Rooker. Plymouth went to their bullpen in the ninth, and they blew the two run lead.

Parenty hit a ground ball to Pilgrims shortstop Josh Ake, who threw it wild to give Parenty second base. Amburgey reached on a single to move Parenty over and then pinch hitter Robbie Knightes grounded into a fielders choice, scoring Parenty.

Knightes then moved to second on a wild pitch before coming home on a RBI single from Ryan Donovan. Donovan swung on the first pitch and chopped a ball that died in the grass in front of short. He barely beat out the throw to first to tie the game. 

Vincenzo Aiello took the blown save for Plymouth, who's bullpen shut down the Mountaineers until the bottom of the 12th. Coulton Lee threw two strong innings until he walked Harasta to lead off the 12th.

Harasta was pinch ran for by Alex Caruso, who moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Brock. Parenty then beat out an infield single to set up first and second for Amburgey, who lined a base hit into left field.

Caruso was sent home and gunned out at the plate by Rooker. On the play, Parenty rounded second and then hesitated before taking off for third. Plymouth catcher Logan Koch threw down to third and got him out erase a potentially game-winning run.

Plymouth loaded the bases with one out in the top of the 13th on reliever Jared Gesell, who left with all three runners aboard. Vermont brought in Rob Strader, who got a flyout before giving up a go-ahead two-run single to Pilgrim designated hitter Matt Walsh.  Strader then gave up back-to-back walks to bring home another run to give Plymouth a lead for good.

Gesell took the loss, while Pilgrim reliever Coulton Lee picked up the win. Thomas Jankins picked up the save as he threw a scoreless 13th. 

Ryan Davis toes the mound for the Mountaineers, who dropped to 9-5, tomorrow night when they travel down to Sanford to take on the Mainers (7-7). Davis is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA and has struggled over his last two starts, allowing a combined 21 hits and 13 runs over nine innings of work. 

First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.