By Josh Cook
Chris Valaika came up big for the International League on Wednesday night.
The Louisville Bats second baseman went 1-for-3 with a double and scored the game-tying run as the IL beat the Pacific Coast League 2-1 [4] in the Triple-A All-Star Game in front of 10,000 fans at Lehigh Valley's Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Penn.
Valaika, who played the entire game and batted ninth for the IL, flew out in his first at-bat in the third inning.
In his second at-bat Valaika led off the bottom of the sixth with a double down the third-base line off new pitcher Josh Banks of the Round Rock Express. He scored two batters later on a double by Syracuse Chief Chase Lambin. Durham Bulls shortstop Elliot Johnson followed with an RBI-single to give the IL the lead, and eventually the win.
Valaika struck out swinging in the bottom of the eighth in his final at-bat of the night.
Valaika had one of only 10 hits in the game, and no player had more than one. Banks took the loss, while Rochester Red Wings right-hander Anthony Slama got the victory by pitching a scoreless sixth. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre reliever Jonathan Albaladejo picked up the save with a perfect ninth inning.
Valaika and the Bats return to Louisville Slugger Field on Thursday night when Louisville hosts Lehigh valley at 7:05 p.m. As usual early-arriving fans can partake of $1 Budweisers during "Happy Hour" from 5:30-7 p.m. on the Overlook Deck. SubUrban Situation will provide live music.
Photo courtesy Louisville Bats