QUEBEC CITY — The Tri-City ValleyCats (40-23) stayed true to form Wednesday night as the Frontier League home runs leaders slugged four long balls en route to a 9-3 win over the East Division-leading Quebec Capitales.
First baseman Brad Zunica led the way with two home runs — one in the fifth and another in the ninth — and three RBIs. The Frontier League’s top hitter, Brantley Bell, was 3-for-5 on the night with a two-run homer of his own and two singles and knocking in three runs.
Despite the power surge, Carson McCusker got the ‘Cats going in the top of the fourth with an RBI double. The Capitales (47-27) responded quickly in the bottom half, plating two on a sac fly and RBI base hit. But, Bell and Zunica quickly regained the lead 4-3 with their respective long balls in the fifth.
Quebec leadoff man Yordan Manduley contributed another sac fly the following inning to tie the game, finishing the night a bright spot for the homeside — 2-for-2 with two RBIs. But, the combined relief pitching of Neil Abbatiello, Adam Hofacket and Troy Cochran-Gill secured the win for Tri-City from there. The trio of bullpen arms allowed one baserunner.
Tri-City’s Denis Phipps, the league’s leading home run hitter, added a solo shot to his tally in the eighth inning, providing the eventual game-winning run.
The ValleyCats and Capitales play the rubber match of their three-game series Thursday night at 7:05.
Tri-City 000 130 014 — 9 11 1
Quebec 000 201 000 — 3 4 1
