Blue Chips Tie Series With Late-Inning Heroics

Ben McKinney gives up 1 hit, a double to Freshmen Brandon Roberts and finished 6 innings to lead the Blue Chips to a Game 2 victory.  McKinney, who struck out five batters, ran into trouble in the first inning.  After a leadoff walk to Peter Rajkovich and consective hit batters, Roberts would score a run with a ground out and Evan Kirkpatrick scored on a wild pitch for the 2nd run of the inning.  The Big Orange wouldn't threaten again, as McKinney settled in and kept the Blue Chips within striking distance

The Big Orange would cut the lead to 3-2 on an RBI single by Shade Jett, his second of the game, scoring Bo Ausmus who led off the inning witha double.  The Blue Chips 3-2 lead would hold until the 7th.  Shade Jett led off the 7th with a single.  After two outs, Jett would advance to second on a wild pitch.  Pinch hitter, Alex Britt came in to deliver the big hit down the right field line to score Jett and tie the game.  Zach Long would follow with a double down the third base line to put runners at 2nd and 3rd.  On a pickoff attempt at second base, pinch runner James Jinnett broke for home and scored on the throw from shortstop to home.  When the throw got away from catcher Kevin Franchetti, Long scored to give the Blue Chips a 2-run lead. 

Ryan Fillers came in the 7th to earn the save and Game 2 victory.  Game 3 will begin at 1:00 Sunday with American League rules.

Sunday Blue Chips pitcher-Dustin Dunagan/Big Orange pitcher Quinton Yocom

Blue Chips-Winning Pitcher-Ben McKinney; Losing pitcher-Josh Russell

Big Orange Leaders- Evan Faithfull-6 innings/5 K's/3 ER

Blue Chips Leaders- Ben McKinney-6 innings/5 K's/1 H; Ryan Fillers-1 inning/Save; Shade Jett- 3-3/2 RBI's; Bryan Everhart 2-2/Runs scored; Bo Ausmus 2-4/ 2 doubles

Winning manager Mason Guymon-"Got a big hit from Alex, needed someone to step up.  After Ben settled in, he was dominate.  Not playing good right now, but 1-1 is better then being down two games"

Losing Manager Robby Thigpen-"Tough loss today.  Faithfull was unbelievable, he deserved a win.  We didn't get the clutch hit to put them away and we paid for it.  Confidant in Yocom tomorrow"

Blue Chip OF-Zach Long-"Pitchers kept us in the game and we finally put something together in the last inning.  Feel like we will be ready to ride this momentum tomorrow."