Lake Monsters 13 hits (6 extra bases) and 11 walks for “mercy rule” win in front of 2,511 at Centennial
BURLINGTON, VT — Jordan Kang and Tommy Andrews both had two doubles and three RBI as the Vermont Lake Monsters pounded out 13 hits and walked 11 times in a 12-2 seven-inning mercy rule victory over the Pittsfield Suns in front of 2,511 at historic Centennial Field Friday night.
After scoring single runs in the first and second innings, Kang (Harvard) lined a bases-clearing three-run double to the left field gap for a 5-0 lead in the third inning. The Lake Monsters built the lead to 11-0 with six runs in the sixth inning.
Devan Kodali (Vandy) got the six-run rally started with a two-run triple to right center followed by a pair of sacrifice flies and a McAndrews (Fordham) two-run line drive double to right-center. The Suns got a two-run single in the top of the seventh to get within the 10-run rule at 11-2, but a Kang two-out double and Tommy Martin (Yale) RBI single ended the game in the bottom of the inning.
Thomas Santana (Columbia), making his first start of the season after five relief appearances, allowed one hit with one walka and three strikeouts over four scoreless innings. Sean Gamble (Minnesota State) and Oliver Pudvar (CVU/Manhattan) followed with one scoreless inning each.
Vermont (19-7), winners of three straight and nine of its last 11 games, will host the Worcester Bravehearts Saturday (6:05pm) and Sunday (5:05pm). Saturday is Vermont Expos night with a special appearance by 1995 Vermont Expos infielder Orlando Cabrera, who will be signing autographs 5:00-6:30pm and throwing out the first pitch.
MONSTER PERFORMANCES
- Kang 3-for-3, 2 BB, 2 R, 2 2B, 3 RBI
- McAndrews 2-for-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI
- Kodali 1-for-3, 1 BB, 3 R, 3B, 2 RBI
MONSTER HIGHLIGHTS
- Logan Keller (Navy) went 2-for-3 with a walk, run and 2 RBI in his final game of the season (hit .323 with 15 RBI in 19 games
- Lake Monsters had season-high 6 extra-base hits (5 2B, 1 3B) after just 6 extra-base hits in previous 7 games combined (5 2B, 1 HR)
- 3rd 10-run “mercy-rule” win of the season (Vermont 12-1 all-time)
- Lake Monsters improve to 14-4 in June (35-8 combined in June 2022 and 2023)
- 4th time that Vermont hitters have 10 or more walks in game and 11th time more walks than strikeouts (Over 26 games, Monster batters 153 walks, 155 strikeouts)
- Vermont is 12 games over .500 for the 1st time this season
- Friday’s 2,511 was the 5th largest of the year at Centennial and increased Vermont’s home attendance to 28,506 (average of 2,193 per game)
Next Game: Saturday vs. Worcester, 6:05pm at Centennial Field
Vermont Expos Night with appearance by Orlando Cabrera