Lake Monsters Take First Game Of Series

TROY, N.Y.—Meteorologists predicted storms and heavy rain all evening long. However, aside from two brief showers, Joseph L. Bruno stayed dry, allowing a game to be played between the Tri-City ValleyCats and the Vermont Lake Monsters on Sunday night. Despite being defeated 11-4, several ‘Cats players had notable nights on the field.

Vermont got on the board early with four runs in the first inning and three runs in the third.  Third baseman Steve Souza added to the Lake Monsters offense with a homerun in the sixth inning and now leads the New York-Penn League with four homeruns on the season.

Antonio Noguera started the game for the ‘Cats, surrendering seven hits in three innings pitched. Jose Duran came on in relief of Noguera and shut the Lake Monsters down for three innings, allowing just one earned run. Offensive highlights for the ValleyCats included leftfielder J.B. Shuck who scored two runs for Tri-City and now leads the team with twelve runs scored. ValleyCats centerfielder T.J. Steele hit his first professional career homerun on a drive to left field in the bottom of the ninth inning.

On Monday, the ‘Cats will take on the Lake Monsters at 7 p.m. Left hander Jarred Holloway is anticipated to start for the ValleyCats. The ‘Cats will celebrate Albany Night at “The Joe” and will distribute bobble heads in the likeness of Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office, calling (518) 629-CATS, or visiting .www.tcvalleycats.com