07/21/2012 8:11 PM - (Ramapo, N.Y., July 21) - It wasn't a spectacular way to walk-off with a win, but it got the job done nonetheless. Qualon Millender drew a two out, bases loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth inning that forced in the winning run as the Rockland Boulders defeated the Worcester Tornadoes 4-3 Saturday evening at Provident Bank Park.
The victory is Rockland's sixth in a row and 13th win in the last 15 games. The Boulders (33-27) are now 9-3 against Worcester this season.
Pat Moran pitched seven innings allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, walking three and striking out two. Tornadoes' starter Dan Sausville matched Moran pitch for pitch, allowing only three earned runs in his seven innings of work. Neither starter factored in the decision, however.
The Boulders had to dig their way out of an early hole in this one, as Rockland got down 2-0 in the second inning on an RBI single by Tony Patane and a Jose Reyes fielding error on a ground ball by Cam Monger, which allowed the second run to score.
In the bottom of the inning, Phil Cuadrado's solo shot cut the Worcester lead in half and Rockland tied the game in the fourth on an RBI double by the newest Boulder, second baseman Brandon Pinckney. Pinckney was acquired via trade earlier in the day from the Tornadoes.
Worcester re-took the lead in the fifth inning on a long solo homer by Johnny Welch. Rockland again battled back, tying the score in the sixth on an RBI ground out by Ryan Mollica.
Julio Santana and Adrian Martin combined to throw two scoreless innings of relief, which set up Millender's heroics. In the ninth, with two out and nobody on base, Billy Alvino singled, then Reyes and Chris Valencia both walked. That brought Millender to the plate, who worked the count full before drawing the game-winning walk against reliever Matt McDonald. Martin got the win for Rockland, improving his record to 5-3, while McDonald (1-2) took the loss.
The two teams are back at it tomorrow evening at 5 p.m. with Gustavo Chacin on the mound for Rockland, as they look to sweep the series.
Tickets are still available but they're going fast - to catch all the fun and action, call 845-364-0009, visit the Provident Bank Park box office, or click "Tickets" here on Rocklandboulders.com.
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