On Wednesday, in a thrilling showdown at the Heritage Financial Park in Wappingers Falls, New York, the Bowling Green Hot Rods beat the Hudson Valley Renegades 3-2, thanks to an eleventh-hour two-run homer in the ninth inning by Colton Ledbetter.

Game Highlights

The game kicked off with an early lead for the Hot Rods as Ryan Spikes stole a second off Renegades’ starter Jackson Fristoe in the top of the third. This set the stage for Chandler Simpson to hit a single into the center, resulting in Spikes scoring for the Hot Rods and setting a 1-0 scoreline.

In a swift retaliation, Renegade Jace Avina reciprocated the offense with a solo home run to the left at the bottom of the fourth, creating a tie at 1-1.

The eighth inning saw the Renegades take a brief lead at 2-1. Kyle Battles secured a lead-off walk and advanced to third on an errant pickoff attempt by Hot Rods’ reliever, JJ Goss. Jace Avina took center stage again with a crucial single to center scoring Battles.

The Late Turnaround

As the game reached its climax in the ninth, Hueston Morrill came on for the Renegades as they attempted to close out the victory. After disposing of the first out, Cooper Kinney from the Hot Rods managed a hit to the right.

This was followed by a pivotal moment as Colton Ledbetter stepped up to the plate, smashing what would prove to be a decisive two-run homer to the right. This play swung the game back in favor of the Bowling Green Hot Rods for a 3-2 lead.

In a dramatic finish, Goss kept his nerves, taming the Renegades’ bats in the ninth and securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory for the Hot Rods.

Performance Overview

Goss completed 2.0 innings in which he allowed one unearned run on one hit. Additionally, he walked two, struck out two, and thereby secured his first win of the season. On the Renegades’ side, Morrill was saddled with his first loss of the year after surrendering two runs on two hits over 1.0 inning.

The tense face-off will continue as the Hot Rods and Renegades gear up for the third game in their six-game series on Thursday. The Hot Rods’ RHP Yoniel Curet is set to start against Renegades’ RHP Brian Hendry.