By CRAIG POTTER
ByungHo Park gets his first-ever walk-off hit to beat the Knights, 7-6.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – ByungHo Park has struggled some this season with the Rochester Red Wings, but the South Korean native delivered his first-ever game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning propelling the Wings to a come-from-behind 7-6 victory, and a 4-game sweep, of the Charlotte Knights on Wednesday night before 8,461 fans at Frontier Field.
“It was a great feeling,” Park said through his translator Teddy You.
“A big game by Park,” said Red Wings manager Mike Quade. “He works so hard and he’s got ability. He didn’t wind up over because he doesn’t have ability. It’s been tough for him at times. He hasn’t been able to put it together consistently but he’s such a hard worker and such a good teammate.
“He’s a guy you believe is going to figure it out, eventually. He’s going to give himself every chance to get himself back to Minnesota. It’s good to see a guy play well with so many ups and downs as he had.”
Charlotte built a 5-1 advantage against Rochester starter Justin Haley, who is on a rehab assignment from the Minnesota Twins.
Kennys Vargas, also just optioned to Rochester from the Twins, got the Wings on the scoreboard in his first at bat with a first pitch homer over the left field fence.
“Nice to have Vargie back to supply some power,” Quade said.
Park belted his second home run at Frontier Field in 3 days in the sixth to make the score 5-2. However, the Knights got it back in the top of the seventh. They may have scored more but leadoff hitter Cody Ashe, who belted a 2-run homer in the first, single and made the turn towards second. Wings centerfielder J.B. Shuck threw the ball to second baseman Tommy Field, who then fired it to first baseman Vargas, who tagged Ashe for the out as he was returning to the bag.
“That play was huge,” Quade said. “Outs are crucial when you’re trying to comeback.
“I don’t ever remember an out being recorded when I was on my way to the mound. You say it all the time, you’ll see something different every day. Thank God I wasn’t in the middle of the play. Playing good defense is taking advantage of a situation and being aware.”
In the home half, Shuck reached on a fielder’s choice, and Mitch Garver blasted the third Wings homer of the game to cut the margin to 6-4.
Rochester tied the game in the eighth as Park singled and Field doubled off the third base bag to put runners on second and third. Niko Goodrum laced a hit to center field to tie the score.
In the bottom of the ninth, Shuck drew a leadoff walk and Garver singled. With two outs, Park ripped a single to left-center as Shuck scampered home with the game-winning run.
“It’s not the way you draw it up but we’ll take it, and it’s always nice to sweep your club,” Quade said.
Alan Busenitz earned the win as he retired the Knights in order in the top of the ninth.
*NOTES – In roster moves, LHP Craig Breslow ended his MLB rehab assignment…The run allowed by Drew Rucinski was the first he’s allowed since May 27 (13 games)…INF Kennys Vargas was optioned from Minnesota to the Red Wings Tuesday…OF Daniel Palka, out since late May (broken finger), hit a home run Wednesday for the GCL Twins as part of his minor league rehab assignment…Christmas in July Thursday at 7:05 pm in the 3-game series opener against the Toledo Mud Hens. Santa and his sleigh make a special appearance to the Frontier Field Winter Wonderland. Fans who bring a new, unwrapped gift will receive $1 off their ticket purchase at the Ticket Office, with the gifts being donated to the Hillside Family of Agencies’ Special Santa Program…Christmas Ornament Giveaway – the first 1,000 fans receive a FREE Red Wings ornament as we celebrate Christmas in July.
Links
Rochester Red Wings – www.redwingsbaseball.com
Videos
ByungHo Park hit – https://youtu.be/Zs_tFdlWS-8
ByungHo Park interview – https://youtu.be/-6yRLXDbNis
Mike Quade interview – https://youtu.be/7EPfeHKdHE0