AUGUSTA, NJ - The Tri-City ValleyCats reported to Skylands Stadium on Saturday looking to even the series in the middle game of a three-game weekend set following a 5-1 loss to the Sussex County Miners on Friday night.

The 'Cats sent the red hot right-hander Joey Gonzalez to the mound looking to add another strong outing to his game log sheet. The right-hander dazzled in what could be considered his best outing to date, spinning seven innings, silencing Sussex County bats, allowing just one earned run, walking one, allowing 5 hits, and striking out 10, surpassing his previous season-high of 9 strikeouts in a single game. Saturday's game marked Gonzalez's fifth win and the fifth game this season that the right-hander tallied 8 or more strikeouts.

After being held to just one run a night ago, the Tri-City bats exploded for seven runs in the first four innings, including launching two home runs traveling 425 feet or more, a Denis Phipps solo shot (425 ft.) and a Brantley Bell grand slam (428 ft.). Both Tri-City round-trippers would exit stage left over the high left field wall.

Following Gonzalez's departure, new addition to the Tri-City roster RHP Austin Faith would enter in relief, immediately allowing two hits, leading to two runs. Faith was relieved by RHP Adam Hofacket after just 5 pitches, recording one out on a grounder to Pavin Parks.

After escaping the eighth without further damage, Hofacket would remain on for the ninth, looking to shut the door on the Miners in a 1.2 inning effort. Hofacket would hold the Miners at bay and secure the 7-3 win for the Tri-City ValleyCats. The two teams face off in a rubber match matinee tomorrow at Skylands Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 2 PM EST.

Tri-City returns to "The Joe" for a two-game set with the New York Boulders. The fun begins on Wednesday, July 13th with "I Love (Upstate) NY Night" featuring a bobblehead giveaway of Shenendehowa High graduate and 2021 World Series Champion Ian Anderson to the first 1,000 fans courtesy of American National Insurance. Get your tickets by calling (518) 629-2287, going online, or stopping by the box office.