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Riverhead Tomcats Snap Six-Game Skid in Walk-Off Comeback Over Whalers

by Nolan Locke

The Riverhead Tomcats overcame a six-run deficit to snap a six-game losing streak, defeating the Sag Harbor Whalers in walk-off fashion behind a dominant, five-RBI performance from All-Star catcher Matthew Ryan.

In their final game before the All-Star break, the Riverhead Tomcats found themselves once again staring down the barrel of a potential seventh loss in a row, facing an early six-run deficit in their Friday night matchup against the Whalers.

Sag Harbor opened the scoring in the top of the first with some clever baserunning, as Anthony Sarro stole home on a double steal to put the Whalers up 1-0. The Whalers continued to add to their lead in the top of the second, tacking on five more runs off a Finley Holmes RBI single, an Anthony Sarro bases-loaded walk, and an Aaron Vetter bases-clearing three-run double. The onslaught chased Tomcats starter Ollie Smith early, leaving Riverhead in a quick 6-0 hole.

Sag Harbor starter Brady Ross kept the Tomcats’ lineup in check early, tossing five shutout innings while surrendering just three hits before departing. Riverhead reliever Eric Ressegger provided matching stability out of the bullpen. Coming on in relief of Smith in the second, Ressegger—affectionately called “Red” by his teammates—allowed the two inherited runners to score but slammed the door shut after that, holding the Whalers scoreless over the next five frames to keep the Tomcats within striking distance.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Tomcats finally broke through. After Sam Leonard drew a bases-loaded walk to get Riverhead on the board, All-Star catcher Matthew Ryan launched a towering grand slam over the double fence in left-center field. The explosive blast brought the home crowd to its feet, pulling the Tomcats within a single run and proving Ross’s exit to be incredibly costly for the Whalers.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Whalers looked to halt the bleeding and protect their dwindling lead. Matt Hesselbirg, the league leader in RBIs, ignited the Tomcats’ offense with a leadoff single. Head Coach Vince Colasuonno then subbed in Jack Byrne to pinch-run, and the speedy replacement promptly swiped second to put the tying run in scoring position with just one out.

Richie Heyder followed by roping a sharp single to center field. Byrne rounded third and sprinted for home, but a stunning, pinpoint throw from Sag Harbor center fielder Finley Holmes cut him down at the plate to keep the Whalers’ 6-5 lead intact. Down to their final out, the Tomcats refused to blink. Sam Leonard beat out an infield single to put runners at the corners, bringing All-Star catcher Matthew Ryan back to the batter’s box with a chance to drive in yet another run and tie the game for the home side. Ryan then roped an RBI single, grabbing his fifth steak of the day and notching the game even at 6-6 for Riverhead.

“I was just trying to stay calm,” said Ryan, “I just wanted to help the team out.”

Sag Harbor’s bullpen woes continued as a subsequent walk loaded the bases, handing left fielder Zach DeMilt the ultimate opportunity to complete the comeback. DeMilt didn’t miss his chance, ripping a hot shot down the third-base line. Whalers third baseman Thomas Shaw made a spectacular diving stop to save the ball, but DeMilt flashed his speed out of the batter’s box, beating the throw to first base as the winning run crossed the plate to seal a thrilling 7-6 walk-off victory, snapping their six-game losing streak.

The Whalers will look to bounce back after the All-Star break when they face the North Fork Ospreys, while the Tomcats look to keep righting the ship in a matchup against the Shelter Island Bucks.

“I think we’re getting better on both sides of the ball,” said Head Coach Kyle McLaughlin. “We have eight or nine games left, and we just want to continue the momentum. All you have to do is be hot and if we get hot going into the playoffs it’s gonna be pretty tough to stop us.”

Ryan then roped an RBI single grabbing his fifth steak of the day and notching the game even at 6-6 for Riverhead.

“I was just trying to stay calm” said Ryan, “I just wanted to help the team out.”

Sag Harbor’s bullpen woes continued as a subsequent walk loaded the bases, handing left fielder Zach DeMilt the ultimate opportunity to complete the comeback. DeMilt didn’t miss his chance, ripping a hot shot down the third-base line. Whalers third baseman Thomas Shaw made a spectacular diving stop to save the ball, but DeMilt flashed his speed out of the batter’s box, beating the throw to first base as the winning run crossed the plate to seal a thrilling 7-6 walk-off victory and snapping their six game losing streak.

The Whalers will look to bounce back after the All-Star break when they face the North Fork Ospreys, while the Tomcats look to keep righting the ship in a matchup against the Shelter Island Bucks.

“I think we’re getting better on both sides of the ball,” said Head Coach Kyle McLaughlin. “We have eight or nine games left and we just want to continue the momentum. All you have to do is be hot and if we get hot going into the playoffs it’s gonna be pretty tough to stop us.”