Game 1: Las Vegas Knights vs. New York City Comets - Las Vegas Knights 10, New York City Comets 2

 

Date: Sunday, April 7, 2024

Location: New York City, NY

 

In a game that saw the Las Vegas Knights dominate late, the New York City Comets fell short with a final score of 10-2 at Comets Stadium. The Knights' bats came alive in the 8th inning, securing the victory with a flurry of hits.

 

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

 

1st Inning: Both teams started cautiously. The Knights' Tommy Alcova flew out, followed by a single from Francis Rignow. However, Ruben Valenzeula grounded into a double play, ending the Knights' chances. The Comets also struggled, with Tim Gibson grounding out and Antonio Reyna flying out.

 

2nd Inning: The Knights saw Richard Callahan strike out and Joe Garland fly out. The Comets managed singles from Diego Zarate and Clayton Bernard but failed to score, as Jeff Moser grounded out to end the inning.

 

3rd Inning: Tim Gibson walked and stole second, advancing to third on Antonio Reyna's single. Teddy Calhoun's single drove in Gibson, putting the Comets up 1-0. However, Kurt Griffin struck out, and Zarate grounded into a double play, halting further scoring.

 

4th Inning: Las Vegas responded with a powerful offensive display. Joe Garland's three-run homer capped a four-run inning, pushing the Knights ahead 4-1. "We were seeing the ball well tonight," Garland said. "I just wanted to make solid contact."

 

5th-7th Innings: Both teams remained scoreless. Enrique Olivares of the Knights and Larry Cline of the Comets kept hitters at bay. Teddy Calhoun's solo homer in the 5th brought the Comets within two runs, making it 4-2.

 

8th Inning: The Knights broke the game open with a six-run explosion. Hits from Alfonzo Diaz, Tommy Alcova, and a grand slam by Ruben Valenzeula extended their lead to 10-2. "It was a perfect pitch, and I didn’t miss it," Valenzeula noted.

 

9th Inning: Paul Bowen and Cory Robinson secured the final outs for the Knights, ensuring the Comets couldn't mount a comeback.

 

Key Performances:

• Las Vegas Knights:

  • Ruben Valenzeula: 3-for-5, 1 HR, 4 RBI
  • Joe Garland: 3-for-5, 1 HR, 3 RBI
  • Francis Rignow: 2-for-4, 1 BB

• New York City Comets:

  • Teddy Calhoun: 3-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Clayton Bernard: 1-for-4
  • Diego Zarate: 2-for-4

 

Player Quotes:

• Joe Garland: "It felt great to connect on that homer. We needed a big inning and we got it."
• Ruben Valenzeula: "The team’s energy was incredible. Everyone contributed, and it was a great team win."

 

Game 2: Comets' Walk-Off Magic Strikes Again -  Las Vegas Knights 0, New York City Comets 1

 

New York City, NY – The Comets continued their late-game heroics in Game 2, securing another walk-off win, 1-0, over the Knights. Clayton Bernard once again played the hero, driving in the game's only run in the bottom of the 9th inning.

 

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

 

1st-3rd Innings: Both pitchers, Castle for the Knights and McCarthy for the Comets, stymied the opposition's batters. The Knights had runners on base but couldn't capitalize. "It was a real pitcher's duel out there," said Castle. "Every pitch counted."

 

4th Inning: Las Vegas had runners on the corners, but a double play by Figueroa ended the inning, maintaining the scoreless tie.

 

5th-8th Innings: Despite some hits and walks, neither team could break the deadlock. Jensen came in to pitch for the Comets in the 8th, shutting down the Knights' batters effectively.

 

9th Inning: With Kurt Griffin on base and Mike Oak singling, Bernard delivered a walk-off single, sealing the victory. "Just trying to stay focused and make solid contact," Bernard said. "The crowd was electric."

 

 

Key Performances:

• Las Vegas Knights:

  • Francis Rignow: 2-for-4, 1 2B
  • Chris Castle: 7 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 3 SO

• New York City Comets:

  • Clayton Bernard: 1-for-4, 1 RBI
  • Jeremy McCarthy: 7 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 3 SO

 

Game 3: Knights Hold Off Late Comets Surge -  Las Vegas Knights 6, New York City Comets 5

 

New York City, NY – The Las Vegas Knights salvaged a win in Game 3 of the series, holding off a late rally by the New York City Comets to secure a 6-5 victory. The Knights' bats came alive early, providing enough cushion to withstand the Comets' comeback attempt.

 

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

 

1st Inning: The Knights struck early with Tommy Alcova doubling and Francis Rignow singling to set the stage for Ruben Valenzeula’s RBI double. Richard Callahan’s sacrifice fly gave the Knights a quick 2-0 lead. "We wanted to set the tone early," said Alcova.

 

2nd-5th Innings: Pitching dominated these innings with occasional hits from both teams, but no significant scoring until the 4th when Julio Noriega doubled in a run for the Comets. "Just trying to keep us in the game," Noriega commented.

 

6th Inning: The Knights extended their lead with back-to-back homers from Matt McKirahan and Felix Navarro off Dan Mackey. "We needed those runs," said McKirahan. "It gave us some breathing room."

 

7th-8th Innings: The Knights added an insurance run in the 8th with Rignow’s double. The Comets responded in the bottom of the 8th with a Bernard two-run double, closing the gap to 6-3.

 

9th Inning: Reyna’s two-run homer in the bottom of the 9th brought the Comets within one run. However, Angel Peralta managed to close out the game, preserving the win for the Knights. "It was nerve-wracking," Peralta admitted. "But we got the job done."

 

Key Performances:

• Las Vegas Knights:

  • Matt McKirahan: 3-for-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Francis Rignow: 3-for-5, 2 2B, 1 RBI

• New York City Comets:

  • Teddy Calhoun: 3-for-4, 1 2B
  • Antonio Reyna: 1-for-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI

 

Series MVP: Ruben Valenzeula (Las Vegas Knights)

Valenzeula's key RBIs and consistent performance at the plate, including a grand slam in Game 1 and crucial hits in Game 3, earned him the series MVP honors. "It's a team effort," Valenzeula said humbly. "I’m just glad I could contribute."