PULASKI, Va. — The Tri-State Coal Cats let a three-run lead slip away in the ninth inning Friday night, falling 15-14 to the Pulaski River Turtles in a high-scoring contest at Calfee Park.
The loss snapped Tri-State’s three-game winning streak and dropped the Cats to 11-17 on the season. Pulaski improved to 16-14.
Despite another strong night at the plate, the Coal Cats were outhit 17-10 and committed four errors in the field, contributing to Pulaski’s late rally. Tri-State had built a 14-11 lead with a seven-run eighth inning, but the River Turtles responded with four in the ninth, capped by a walk-off single from Aiden Malpass.
The Coal Cats have now scored 10 or more runs in three of their last four games, showing signs of life offensively, even as defensive miscues continue to haunt them.
Now, with two games left on their six-game road trip, Tri-State shifts its focus to Johnson City for a weekend series against the struggling Doughboys (13-18), who have lost four straight.
Saturday night’s matchup at TVA Credit Union Ballpark presents a key opportunity for the Cats to bounce back and close out the road stretch on a high note. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
For more information about the Tri-State Coal Cats, visit appyleague.com/tri-state or follow @TriStCoalCats on X and Instagram.
