RAILRIDERS WIN OVER DURHAM 6-5

Ben Gamel Leads RailRiders’ Thrilling Comeback

All-Star Outfielder Drives in Winning Run in 10th

 

Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) earned their fifth walk-off victory of 2016 on Friday night at PNC Field. Ben Gamel laced a single into right-center and Jonathan Diaz scored to lift the RailRiders (62-38) to a 6-5 win over the Durham Bulls (45-56) in 10 innings.

Diaz worked his third walk of the game off reliever Danny Farquhar (3-2) to open the decisive inning. Mason Williams used a sacrifice bunt to advance Diaz into scoring position and Gamel delivered the knockout blow into the right gap.

Diego Moreno (5-1) took home the win after tossing a scoreless top of the 10th. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

The RailRIders jumped out a first inning lead thanks to a grounder by Gary Sanchez, but Durham tied the game against starter Brady Lail with a pair of doubles in the third.

Williams plated two with a single in the fourth inning, but the Bulls struck back again. Against reliever Phil Coke, Casey Gillaspie homered to left. That sparked a four-run sixth for Durham. The final two runs came across on a wild pitch and a balk.

Undaunted, the RailRiders went back to work. Williams singled to begin the last of the sixth. He stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch. A base hit to right by Ike Davis allowed Williams to score. The RailRiders loaded the bases, but reliever Ryne Stanek retired the final two hitters to preserve a 5-4 lead for the Bulls.

Gamel took matters into his own hands in the eighth. After earning a leadoff walk against Stanek, Gamel stole second and then third. A errant throw by catcher Hank Conger attempting to nab Gamel at third allowed the the RailRiders’ left fielder to leap to his feet and score the tying run.

Williams finished the night 3-for-5 with two RBI. The RailRiders walked a season-high 10 times in the game, including three by Diaz.

The RailRiders continue their series with the Durham Bulls on Saturday night at PNC field. Left-hander Dietrich Enns (3-1, 1.17) will oppose right-hander Austin Pruitt (7-5, 3.90). The RailRiders will salute our armed forces with Military Appreciation Night. The team will wear special USA-themed jerseys and there will be a camo cap giveaway to the first 2,500 fans through the gates, presented by MetLife. Postgame fireworks follow, presented by Jack Williams Tire. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.