BURLINGTON, N.C. — Fresh off snapping a five-game losing streak, the Tri-State Coal Cats kept their momentum rolling with a 13-8 victory over the Burlington Sock Puppets on Friday night at Burlington Athletic Stadium. The Cats surged ahead early with an offensive explosion and held off a late Burlington rally to secure their second straight win.
Tri-State (6-7) raced out to a commanding lead, scoring in five of the first six innings. A four-run first inning set the tone, followed by another four-run frame in the third, a solo homer by Chandler Murray in the fourth and two more runs in the fifth. By the end of the sixth, the Coal Cats had built a seemingly insurmountable 12-0 lead.
The offensive showcase was highlighted by Sal Mineo, Ryan Maggy and Julio Soler. Mineo continued his hot streak at the plate with a triple, two RBIs and a run scored. Maggy added a solo homer in the eighth — his second of the season — and Soler delivered in key moments, including a steal of home in the third.
Similar to Thursday's contest, Burlington (9-5) refused to go quietly. The Sock Puppets showcased their late-game hitting prowess, highlighted by a seven-run outburst in the bottom of the seventh. Sammy Laux’s RBI single and Preston Yaucher’s two-run homer were pivotal moments in the rally, cutting the deficit to 12-7.
Tri-State responded in the eighth with Maggy’s solo homer, providing an extra ounce of insurance to cushion the Cats’ lead. In the ninth, Burlington loaded the bases with one out, threatening another comeback. A double play plated one run, but the Coal Cats escaped further damage to seal the victory.
Starter Bryant Yoak set the tone for Tri-State on the mound, delivering two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. Casey Proctor earned the win with three shutout frames, and although the bullpen faltered at times, it regrouped in critical moments to bookend a successful road series.
The Coal Cats will look to extend their streak as they face the Danville Otterbots at 7 p.m. Saturday at Dan Daniel Memorial Park. For more information about the Tri-State Coal Cats, visit appyleague.com/tri-state or follow @TriStCoalCats on X and Instagram.
