Sirois’ RBI Single Pulls Tom Sox Past Turks, 5-4
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Jackson Sirois had been in a major slump at the plate over the past few weeks, struggling to get anything to fall. The Tom Sox infielder turned a corner on Saturday though, as he collected three hits including the game-winning RBI single in Charlottesville’s 5-4 win over Harrisonburg.
“I felt like I was just seeing the ball better today,” Sirois said. “Got good pitches and I didn’t miss ‘em.”
While Sirois was the hero in the end, the first four innings were all about Hunter Hyatt. He was on fire from the jump, as the first six outs he recorded were all strikeouts.
Hyatt sent down the Turks in order in the third and added another strikeout to his total. That’s seven through just three innings.
His day came to an end after two outs in the top of the fourth, but not before he threw his eighth and final strikeout of the day. Hyatt’s eight strikeouts are the second most in a game by a Tom Sox pitcher this season.
Eight strikeouts, three walks, one hit, and no runs allowed. Hyatt set the stage for the ‘Sox, and the bats helped him out.
Sirois stepped up to the dish to lead off the bottom of the third inning and picked up his second hit of the day. After a Preston Gamster(TCU)single moved Sirois to second, Patrick Niehus (Gardner-Webb)logged an RBI single, putting the ‘Sox up 1-0 going into the fourth.
Charlottesville’s offensive success kept on in the bottom half of the fourth. Evan Taveras (Miami)singled, and both Perry Hargett (North Carolina)and Sirois worked walks to load the bases. Taveras scored on a wild pitch to bring the lead to two runs.
The first blemish on the day for the ‘Sox came in the top of the fifth inning, as a two-run single tied the game at two. Another single after that scored the third run of the inning for Harrisonburg, giving them a 3-2 lead.
The Tom Sox found themselves behind for the first time during the game going into the bottom of the fifth, but it didn’t take long before another run was cashed in.
Hudson Lutterman (Virginia Tech) got on base with a double. A Taveras single sent Lutterman home, tying the game once again at three a piece.
Brandon Eldridge (Florida Southwestern)entered the game in relief in the top of the fifth, and kept the ‘Sox in a good spot. He had a fiery top of the sixth, striking out three Harrisonburg batters en route to a scoreless inning.
The ‘Sox offense followed that display with yet another run, their fourth inning in a row with a run. Gamster hit a sacrifice fly to put the ‘Sox on top, 4-3.
With time running out, the Turks’ search for the game-tying run proved successful as Harrisonburg beat a close tag at the plate on an RBI single by Seven Alemais to tie the game, 4-4.
Despite the Turks coming back from behind twice already, the ‘Sox trend of regaining the lead stayed true once again in the bottom of the eighth, taking us back to Sirois.
With two hits already, Sirois added a third: an RBI single into right to put the ‘Sox up, 5-4, which proved to be the game-winning hit.
Trevor Booton (Auburn)came into the game for the ninth, and it only took him 10 pitches to secure the victory for Charlottesville.
UP NEXT:
It’s a quick turnaround for the ‘Sox as they gear up to host the Winchester Royals on Sunday at 1 p.m. from CHO Airport Field at Charlottesville High School.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Jackson Sirois’ three hits are a new season-high
Hunter Hyatt’s eight strikeouts are the second-most for a Tom Sox pitcher this season, just behind Evan Alwine’s nine against the Turks on June 19
Evan Taveras picked up his second multi-hit game of the season
Brandon Eldridge’s3.2 IP are a season-high, and he tied the team-lead in wins with his second of the summer
Trevor Booton earned his first save of the season
