Ortiz Homer Not Enough

Williamsport, P.A. – Jhailyn Ortiz connected on his first home run of the season, but the Crosscutters were unable to hang on to the lead as they fall to West Virginia 5-3 in the final game of the three-game series.

Melvin Matos got the scoring started for the Williamsport Crosscutters in the bottom of the 1stinning, driving a double down the 3rd base line passed Julio de la Cruz, chasing home Jhailyn Ortiz and Greg Pickett to give the Crosscutters a early 2-0 lead against West Virginia starter Stephan Meyer.

Matt Diorio led off the top of the 3rd inning with a walk against Cutters starter Luis Carrasco. Diorio advanced to a 2nd on a passed ball by Gregori Rivero and then on to 3rd on a fly out by Yoel Gonzalez. Diorio scored on an error by Cutters shortstop Jonathan Guzman to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Julio de la Cruz led off the 4th inning by drawing a walk against Carrasco. Jose Barraza followed with a ground ball back to the mound, on what looked to be a double play ball, except Carrasco threw the ball into center field. De la Cruz was thrown out at 3rd by a strong throw from Juan Luis, keeping Barraza at 1st.

Barraza came across to tie the game on the second error by Jonathan Guzman, who could not field a Nick King ground ball cleanly. It was the only run of the inning, keeping the game tied at 2-2 heading to the bottom of the 4th.

Jhailyn Ortiz came the Crosscutters the lead back in the bottom of the 5th with his first home run in a Crosscutters uniform, sending a Stephan Meyer 1-0 offering over the wall in left center. It gave the Cutters a 3-2 lead. It was Ortiz’s second hit of the season, both run producing extra base hits.

West Virginia used a three spot against Williamsport reliever Orestes Melendez to take their first lead of the night, and for good. The inning was highlighted by a Raul Siri RBI single and a two-run triple from down the right field line from Jose Barraza.

Jhailyn Ortiz, who had been hit twice earlier in the ball game was struck by a pitch in the hand by a pitch that would be called a foul ball. Ortiz would be forced to leave the game after being checked out by the training staff.

Shortly after Ortiz was hit, Cutters manager Pat Border was ejected from the game by home plate umpire John Boccio. It was the first time this season that the Cutters skipper had been ejected from a game.

The Crosscutters will start their first true road trip of the season tomorrow night as they visit the Auburn Doubledays. RHP Andrew Brown is scheduled to make his first start of the season for Williamsport. Game time is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at Falcon Park.

Cutter Carvings – The loss completed the sweep for the West Virginia Black Bears… The loss is the fourth straight at home to start the season for Williamsport… West Virginia was held to three hits on the night…Three of the first five starting pitchers have gone just four innings for the Cutters…