SPORTS

Parra dominates as Heat win walk-off

Karl Younkman Sports Correspondent

Ginny Parra felt better Wednesday night. He felt stronger as well, after recovering from a bout with dehydration the day before. And it certainly showed in his performance on the mound.

Parra pitched a complete game gem against the Colorado Cyclones, allowing just two hits and striking out 14 to lead the Wellington Heat to the Championship Round with a 1-0 win at the NBC World Series.

Parra’s dominance allowed the Heat to survive several innings worth of missed opportunities at the plate. Wellington had nine hits for the game but left eight runners on base. The only runner they didn’t strand was the game-winner, when left fielder Matt Heck delivered the walk-off RBI single.

Heck found himself on third in the fifth inning after doubling and advancing on a fielder’s choice with Jordan Climpson at the plate. Climpson sent a sinking liner to right that was ultimately caught but was deep enough to score Heck – if he had tagged up in time.

“I lost sight of the situation and just didn’t think there,” said Heck. “I was really wanting another chance after that.”

That chance came in the bottom of the ninth after Chase Rader singled with one out and stole second for his third steal of the game. Heck came to the plate with redemption on his mind. “I wanted to get that run in for Ginny after the effort he gave tonight,” Heck said.

That effort of Parra’s included no walks issued. Neither team walked a single batter on the night. Colorado used just two pitchers in the contest.

Parra felt strong throughout the 108-pitch performance. “I tried to drink my water and stay ready for each inning,” said Ginny. “I pounded the baseball inside and outside and kept them off balance.”

Manager Rick Twyman is pleased with the play of the team going into next week. “We’re playing as well as we have this season,” said Twyman. “Just want to keep doing what we’re doing.”

The Heat will play again on Friday. Their opponent and game time are yet to be determined.