River Riders earn walk-off win against Sock Puppets
ELIZABETHTON, TN --- The River Riders defeated the Burlington Sock Puppets, 4-3, on Thursday night in Elizabethton at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark. Designated hitter Sam Thompson walked off the game on a two-RBI double.
The Sock Puppets jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second against Elizabethton starter Drew Gillespie (Southeastern).
The River Riders responded in the bottom of the second with shortstop John Montes' sacrifice fly to left field, scoring right fielder Garrison Berkley (TCU).
In the top of the third, Burlington retook the lead on center fielder Benji Gilbert (Hillsborough) RBI double.
Elizabethton was kept scoreless and hitless, until the bottom of the seventh, when second baseman Reagan Guthrie singled, advancing Thompson to second. Montes hit into a fielder's choice and scored Thompson from second.
In the top of the eighth, Burlington once again retook the lead with an RBI single by first baseman Mason Speaker (TCU).
In the bottom of the ninth, third baseman Robin Fernandez (St.Thomas) doubled to lead off the inning. He was pinch ran for by Logan Sanders (Pima). Right fielder Berkley singled to put runners on the corners. Thompson doubled to win the game, 4-3.
The River Riders will look for the season series sweep of the Sock Puppets tomorrow at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark. First pitch is at 7 p.m. Friday night is college night at NCCU. Fans who wear their favorite college gear can purchase a $5 ticket at the door. Fans can watch or listen to the River Riders with the links below.