Late-Inning Rally Falls Short in Game 1 Loss to Ballers

Facing the Ballers for the second time this year, Game 1 of their second series matchup was a pitcher’s duel through six — until the bats broke out in the seventh.

On the heels of an impressive start from Rolando Gutierrez, the bullpen was tasked with keeping it a two-run game from the eighth inning on. But facing the hard-hitting heart of the Ballers’ lineup, Raptors relievers had their work cut out for them — and struggled to keep the game in check. 

They combined to allow five earned runs on five hits, walked three, and struck out just one. A group that has shined so brightly as of late couldn’t keep the Ballers out of the hit column — or off the scoreboard.

While the bats began to catch fire in the final two frames, the damage was already done and the comeback fell short. Still, a four-run ninth was productive in giving the Raptors key at-bats against some of the Ballers’ highest-leverage arms.

Competitive all the way down to the final pitch, the Raptors will look to wake the bats up earlier and bounce back with a Game 2 win tomorrow night.

First pitch is set for 6:30 PM at Lindquist Field — with Mystery Give-Away, Warren’s, and Dylan’s Nights all happening at the ballpark. You’re not going to want to miss it!