Empire State starting pitcher Johsson Arias held Tri-City to only one hit over five shutout innings as the Greys rebounded from a walk-off lose on Friday nightwith a 9-3 victory over the ValleyCats at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium on Saturday.
56 of Arias’ 89 pitches were fastballs, with a top velocity of 95.5 mph and average of 92.5.
Empire State jumped out early. A first inning, two-out single by Jordan Holloman-Scott was immediately followed by an RBI double to right center by Trey Woosley. The Greys recorded two more hits in the second and two in the third, starting with a leadoff single by Robbie Carling. Holloman-Scott singled Carling to second, who then advanced to third when Woosley hit into a fielder’s choice. With two outs, Carling came home after Woosley was caught in a rundown.
After Tri-City plated a run in the bottom of the 6th, Empire State responded with a seven-run 7th inning. Jose Mercado led off the inning with a single to left and then stole second base along him to score on double to left field by Liam McArthur. Carling then singled in McArthur for the second run in the inning. Will Decker later drove in two runs with a single, giving the Greys six runs before their first out. 13 batters came to the plate for Empire State, with Carling both scoring and driving in a run.
Jason Pineda tossed a perfect 8th inning before Luis Pacheco finished the game for Empire State.
The Greys look for the series win on Sunday afternoon, a 5:05 PM Eastern start.