Bailey’s Walk-Off Home Run Lifts Piper To 7-4 Victory Over Plantation

Ronny Bailey hit his first career home a run, a game-winning three-run shot to lift the Bengals to a 7-4 win over Plantation.

Piper right fielder Ronny Bailey had one of the more memorable games of his baseball career. After surrendering a three-run lead, Piper rallied in the bottom of the seventh as Bailey hit a three-run, walk-off home run to lead the Bengals past Plantation 7-4 in dramatic fashion in a  District 11-6A game.

It was Bailey’s first home run of his career. With the score tied and runners on the corners,  he hammered a two strike, two-out pitch to the opposite field and over the left field fence off reliever Anthony Birchall.

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world,” Bailey said. “It does not getter better than hitting your first home run to win the game. I’m so pumped and it’s a great win.”

Plantation trailed 3-1 entering the seventh inning, but rallied for three runs off closer Colby Costanzo to take the lead.

Abe Alejandro’s throwing error to first base allowed a run to score to make it a 3-2 game. Right fielder Kody Jones then laced an RBI single to right to tie the score. Designated hitter Ian Pubillones followed with a go-ahead RBI double to deep center field to give the Colonels their first lead at 4-3.

”It speaks volumes of the character of this team and I am proud of their effort,” said Plantation coach Albert Destrade. “We are not happy with the end result. It was a hard fought game and it’s tough.”

Birchall came on to try to finish off the Bengals, but ran into trouble after issuing a lead-off walk to Alejandro. After a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch, Alejando scored from third on a balk by the pitcher to tie the score.  After second baseman Bryan Rath reached third with one out, Birchall struck out pitcher Alen Arslenyan. After a walk to Costanzo, Bailey sent the Bengals dugout into a frenzy after turning on a fastball.

“We battled back and I am so proud of the kids,” Piper coach Chris Costanzo said. “We led all game and went down, but we kept fighting. It was an important win for seeding in the district.”

Arslanyan made the start on the mound an received a no-decision after tossing six strong innings. He allowed one run on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

Plantation right-hander Gus Cinquino also had an effective outing, giving up three runs on six hits over six innings while fanning five batters.

The Bengals took the early lead with a two-out rally in the first.

Rath drew a walk and advanced to second on a wild  pitch. Arslanyan followed with a single to right field   to put runners at the corners.  Cinquino then bounced a pick-off throw to first base, and Rath alertly raced to home and was able to beat the late throw.

The Colonels mounted a threat in the second, loading the bases with one out on two singles and a walk. Arslanyan battled back with strikeouts of Felipe Garcia and Daniel Vasquez to escape the jam.

Piper pushed across a pair of runs in the fourth to take a 2-0 lead.

After a lead-off walk to Costanzo, Bailey reached base on a bunt single. With runners on second and third and one out, catcher  Chris Rodriguez came through with a sharp single into left field to score Constanzo.

Bailey, at third base with Orlando Doria at the plate, had a walking lead and was able to steal home and slide in safely past the tag by the catcher Vazquez.

Rodriguez finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and Bailey went 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

Piper improved to 8-4 in the district and is tied with South Broward for second place behind McArthur. The Bengals will take on Pembroke Pines Charter on Wednesday.

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