Troy, NY—The Empire State Greys (13-55) have defeated the Tri-City ValleyCats (44-25) 10-1 behind Jaylen Smith’s huge night and a whole team effort.
Empire State got off to a hot start off ValleyCats starter Brac Warren (L, 1-3) in the top of the 1st. Following a pair of singles by Jaylen Smith and Manny Garcia, Josh Sears did what he does best. The designated hitter hit his team-leading 12th home run of the season putting the Greys up 3-0.
The Greys got to Warren once again in the top of the 3rd. Following Jaylen Smith’s second single of the night, Manny Garcia came to the plate. Garcia drove a deep fly ball over the fence in left-center field for a 2-run blast to increase Empire State’s lead to 5-0.
In the 5th, the ValleyCats were able to get on the board against Ryan Sandberg (W, 2-5). Lamar Briggs led off the inning with a walk and during Pavin Parks’ at-bat stole second. With two outs, Cito Culver singled to center field to cut the deficit to 5-1. Culver’s single was the only blemish on an otherwise great start by Ryan Sandberg. Sandberg went 5 1/3 allowing just 1 run on 5 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 5.
The rest of the game was all Empire State. In the 7th, the Greys hit collectively for the cycle. Jordan Scott led off the inning with a double and was immediately tripled in by Jaylen Smith. Manny Garcia then drove in Jaylen for the second time this game with a double to left. Luis Atiles had the biggest with of the inning with a 2 out 2 run home run to left center. Walner Espinal promptly completed the team cycle with an infield single. In the 8th, Jaylen Smith continued his fantastic game at the dish adding another insurance run to give the Greys a 10-1 lead.
Nate Holt, Tanner Propst, and Tyler Bryant helped secure the Greys’ win by allowing no runs and just one hit out of the bullpen as a group. Tyler Bryant was the most dominant of the bunch as the righty struck out 6 batters in his 2 innings of work.
Empire State will be heading to Ottawa and taking on the Titans tomorrow night at 6:30 EST.
