The Midland RockHounds erased an early four-run deficit and scored twice in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday night to defeat the Amarillo Sod Poodles 7-6 at Momentum Bank Ballpark, according to a Rockhounds press release.
Pinch hitter Brennan Milone delivered the game-winning hit, a two-run single to left-center field, giving Midland its second consecutive walk-off victory and moving the club back into a share of first place in the Texas League South Division standings.
Amarillo took control early, scoring four runs within the first five batters of the game. Jansel Luis opened with a triple and scored on an RBI double by Cristofer Torin. After a single by Ben McLaughlin brought home another run, Gavin Conticello added a two-run home run to give the Sod Poodles a 4-0 lead.
Midland chipped away at the deficit throughout the game. RockHounds starter Mitch Myers recovered from the difficult first inning and kept Amarillo in check over the next six innings, allowing Midland’s offense an opportunity to rally.
Luke Mann led the offensive effort for the RockHounds, finishing 3-for-3 with a walk, a sacrifice fly and two RBIs. Shane McGuire delivered a two-out RBI single in the eighth inning to cut Amarillo’s lead to 6-5.
In the ninth, Mann opened the inning with a single and Leo De Vries followed with a walk. Euribiel Angeles advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt before Milone lined a two-run single into left-center field to complete the comeback.
Midland consistently pressured Amarillo pitching throughout the game, placing runners on base in every inning and reaching scoring position in eight of the nine frames.
Cole Conn extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single and a walk. During the streak, Conn is batting .375 with three home runs, six RBIs and seven stolen bases. He also made a diving catch in right field while making only his third professional appearance at the position.
The game drew an announced crowd of 5,090 at Momentum Bank Ballpark.
With the win, Midland improved to 26-23 and remained tied atop the Texas League South standings with the Frisco RoughRiders. Amarillo fell to 25-23.