MOREHEAD CITY, NC–The Morehead City Marlins (16-4) defeated the Peninsula Pilots (7-12) in walk-off fashion off the bat of Sebastian Mexico, who hit a two-run home run over the right field wall, securing the 5-4 win and snapping a two-game skid.
The Marlins started off hot, scoring three runs in the first inning with Grant Russo, Ronnie Rowly, and Mexico scoring. The Marlins also reached on three walks and hit by pitches in the inning to bat through the order before being retired.
They were then slowed for the rest of the game as they only recorded three hits through the first eight innings, and the game became a pitchers’ duel.
Strong pitching from Bryce Nicolay to start the game was key as he went for two innings, recording four strikeouts.
Carson Gipson came in as well, allowing four runs, only two of which were earned, continuing a trend of sloppy play in the field.
Matthew Heard and Brandon Carter came in to end the game, each going for two innings. Heard recorded three strikeouts and Carter finished with five.
Rowley led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a clutch single to put the tying run on base. That is when Mexico stepped into the left handed batters box. Mexico fouled off a couple pitches to stay alive.
That is when he saw his pitch and smashed the walk-off home run to right field and was greeted with a gatorade shower at home plate.
The Marlins will travel to Wilmington for a doubleheader against the Sharks at Buck Hardee Field. First pitch is set for 5:30pm for game one, which will start in the bottom of the fourth as a continuance of the rainout on June 1st. Game two will be a seven-inning game beginning shortly after the conclusion of game one. Fans can watch the live stream on Home Team Network or listen to the Marlins Radio Broadcast for free on Mixlr, with pregame coverage starting at 5:15pm.
