In a thrilling ninth-inning showdown, Rochester Red Wings reliever Rico Garcia displayed his unwavering composure to secure a 7-5 victory over the St. Paul Saints at CHS Field on Wednesday night. Garcia found himself in a precarious situation with runners on second and first, but he remained unyielding, inducing a key strikeout from the dangerous Jair Camargo, who had already recorded a home run and a double in the game. The 30-year-old right-hander’s resilience continued as he struck out both Matt Wallner and Yunior Severino to end the game in dramatic fashion.
On the other side of the mound, St. Paul starting pitcher Joe Gunkel struggled with control, allowing seven runs on nine hits over 4 1/3 innings. Anthony Prato, a bright spot in the Saints’ lineup, went 3 for 3 with three doubles, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the game.
The Red Wings’ victory was a testament to Garcia’s unwavering determination and the team’s ability to come together in clutch moments. The win propels them forward as they look to continue their success in the competitive International League.