Sanchez Grand Slam Powers Bees Passed Clinton

The Bees used the long ball to build a 12-4 lead then hung on to take a 12-9 win over the Clinton LumberKings on Community Basket Day in Burlington.

Designated hitter Marcos Sanchez launched two home runs, including a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth that proved to be the winning margin. The big lefty had 6 runs batted in on the afternoon.

Oscar Ponce drove in 2 and scored 4 with a two run homer of his own.  He was 4-5 on the day.

Burlington had an 8 run lead heading into the top of the ninth.  Jaxon Ingram was called from the bullpen to finish things up.  He struck out Eddie Saucedo, and looked to have pinch hitter Nick Fleckenstein struck out, but the third strike pitch was called a ball. Fleckenstein followed with ground single to second.  Ingram then misfired on a slow roller off the bat of Adam Weed.  His throw to first sailed into right field for an error.  That put runners on second and third.

Ensuing batter Joe Simpson doubled to left sending Fleckenstein and Weed home.  Luke Ira was hit by a pitch.  Jeremy Conforti singled to load the bases.

Clinton, with the help of the error, now trailed just 12-6.  Rayth Peterson hit a sacrifice fly. It was 12-7 and the home faithful were starting to worry.

Tyler Dahm joined the parade with a single to center, pushing Ira to the across.  Conforti scored on a wild pitch to make it 12-9.  A visibly frustrated Ingram was finally able to celebrate a win getting Taeg Gollert K2-3 to end it.

Burlington Notre Dame alumni Jeron Conner was credited with the win.  He is 1-0 since joining the club.  Kale Orman took the loss.  He is 3-2.