Titans rally early, take two of three from Miners
Ottawa Titans players Rodrigo Orozco (left) and AJ Wright celebrate after their team scored another run on Sunday. Photo: Ottawa Titans
August 7, 2022
Official Ottawa Titans News Release
Ottawa, Ont. - The Ottawa Titans (43-29) used multi-hit performances from five different players to defeat the Sussex County Miners 6-4 on Sunday afternoon, taking the rubber match, and the season series.
Chris Burica took the hill and did not allow a run through five in the series finale, going six strong to earn his first win since July 9. Burica allowed four runs on five hits, while striking out six. At one point, Burica retired 12 Miners in a row from the second through fifth.
After leaving the bases loaded in the first, Tyrus Greene slugged a two-run double off Cody Whitten to the gap in right-centre, plating Rodrigo Orozco and AJ Wright.
Jake Sanford (Cole Harbour, N.S.) led off the third with a double to right, scoring on an E5 following a Clay Fisher infield single. Two batters later, Kai Moody lined a triple to the alley in right-centre, making it 4-0 through three.
AJ Wright's leadoff triple in the third against right-hander Jimmy Boyce came across to score on a Tyrus Greene sacrifice fly to centre in the last of the fourth.
With the Titans ahead 5-0 after four, a 40-minute rain delay put a halt to the Titans' momentum, in an important rubber match.
Once play resumed, Fisher's lead-off solo shot in the fifth pushed the lead to six. Fisher's sixth homer of the season accounted for some much-needed insurance out of the delay. Four of Fisher's six homers this season have come at home.
The Miners made things interesting by putting up a four-spot against Burica in the top of the sixth. Headlining the big inning was Oraj Anu's two-run blast that put the Miners within a pair. The switch-hitting rookie finished the series with a homer from both sides of the dish.
Gavin Sonnier tossed two complete innings out of the bullpen, rolling two important double plays. Kevin Escorcia locked down the save with a perfect ninth, nailing down the series victory for the home side.
AJ Wright (2-for-3), Tyrus Greene (2-for-2), Clay Fisher (2-for-3), Kai Moody (2-for-4) and Rodrigo Orozco (2-for-4) accounted for multi-hit performances in the series finale, helping to push the Titans across the finish line.
Taking the series and regular season head-to-head against the Miners, the Titans move closer to the top spot in the division and grow their lead to two for second place.
Following an off-day on Monday, the Titans welcome the red-hot New York Boulders for a three-game set on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium.