Titans lose late lead, drop series opener to Miners

Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Titans (23-8) saw their five-game winning streak come to an end, surrendering a late-three run lead to drop the opener of their three-game series with the Sussex County Miners by a 6-5 final on Tuesday night.

After Evan Grills (loss, 2-2) breezed through the top of the first, the Titans had the first two aboard in the bottom half. Left-hander Michael Mediavilla (ND, 2-2) served up a rocket off the bat of AJ Wright, which sailed over the head of left-fielder Martin Figueroa to score Jackie Urbaez and Will Zimmerman.

Two batters later, Tyrus Greene lined the Titans’ third double of the inning to the gap in right-centre, scoring Wright to make it a 3-0 game.

The Miners would get on the board in the fourth with former Titan David Maberry knocking a base-hit up the gut, plating Figueroa.

Wright restored the three-run lead, drawing a bases-loaded walk against reliever Billy Layne Jr. (win, 1-0), scoring Brendon Dadson.

After only recording four hits over the first six innings, the Miners rallied in the seventh, scoring four runs on five hits to chase Grills from the game.

Cito Culver and Nick Garland recorded RBI doubles, while rookie Kevin Rolon blasted a two-run homer over the fence in left to put the Miners ahead 5-4. The homer from Rolon marked the shortstops’ first hit-off left-handed pitching this season, snapping an 0-for-15 stretch.

Grills finished the night going six and a third, allowing five runs on eight hits, striking out six, and suffering the loss.

After Nelson Gonzalez gave up a lead-off single to Figueroa, Gavin Sonnier came out of the bullpen and put runners on the corners with two outs. Sonnier uncorked a wild pitch, scoring the eventual winning run.

Down by two headed to the ninth, the Titans rallied off closer Robert Klinchock (save, 3) following a lead-off ground-out. After Zimmerman and Wright drew walks, Sanford looped a base-hit into right to make it a one-run game. As Klinchock retired Greene on the ground, the lefty battled against Jason Dicochea, finishing the game with a punchout. In the end, the Titans stranded the potential tying and winning run on base.

The Ottawa Titans continue three-game series against the Sussex County Miners on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. from Ottawa Stadium.

For information on Ottawa Titans’ 2022 season tickets, group outings, and 8-game mini packs, visit the Titans’ official website at www.ottawatitans.com.

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