VAMOS GATOS! After seeing their six-game winning streak snapped last night, the Tri-City ValleyCats (38–27) will look to bounce back as they host the New York Boulders (37–28) in Game 2 of a pivotal three-game series at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.
The Boulders came out swinging in the opener, notching an 8–6 win to extend their own winning streak to seven games, which is currently the longest active run in the Frontier League. Their victory not only kept their momentum alive, but also halted the ValleyCats’ recent surge, which included back-to-back series wins over divisional foes, the Trois-Rivières Aigles and the Québec Capitales.
Looking to lead the rebound effort for the ValleyCats is Duke Brotherton, who has made just two starts this season. His last outing resulted in an 11–3 win over Trois-Rivières, and he’ll aim to put the brakes on the Boulders’ momentum. Opposing him on the mound will be Emmett Bice, making his 11th start of the year as the Boulders look to push their streak to eight.
Both pitchers have had up-and-down seasons, with matching records of two wins and two losses and ERAs north of 4.00. With neither starter dominating statistically, tonight’s contest could come down to which offense shows up stronger, a potential slugfest looming as both teams look to break the game open at the plate.
With the two teams neck-and-neck in the standings and postseason positioning on the line, tonight’s matchup carries extra weight. Expect the ValleyCats to come out with urgency as they try to even the series and keep pace in the East Division race.
