Trenton Thunder outfielder Matt Lipka found himself thrust into the national spotlight Tuesday night, when he bunted with one out in the top of the ninth inning to break up a no-hitter by the Hartford Yard Goats, the Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.
According to a source not authorized to speak on behalf of the Thunder organization, the 27-year-old Lipka received death threats on social media following Tuesday’s game. The Thunder are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The source says the Yankees have been alerted to the threats and are investigating.
The Thunder lost the game, 3-0, and Lipka’s bunt up the first base line was the only hit by Trenton. Generally speaking, the unwritten code in baseball frowns upon players bunting to break up no-hitters. And the Yard Goats took exception to Lipka’s hit, with the benches clearing after the game.
However there are two important factors to consider here:
- Lipka was batting with his team down by just three runs in the ninth inning. If he gets on base, Lipka turns over the lineup and gives the Thunder a chance at rallying. So Lipka, as the No. 9 hitter, bunting for a base hit can be justified as legitimate baseball strategy
- The no-hitter being thrown by Hartford was a team effort, with the Yard Goats using four pitchers in the game.
Yard Goats pitcher Rico Garcia threw six no-hit innings, striking out 11, before turning the game over to the bullpen. With one out in the top of the ninth inning, Lipka faced Yard Goats closer Ben Bowden, and laid down a bunt.
After the game, the Yard Goats were peeved. Per MILB.com: “It is what it is,” Garcia said. “[Lipka] was doing what he had to do. And we were really passionate about getting the no-hitter. It is what it is. I can’t really speak for what he was trying to do or what he was trying to accomplish. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t get the no-hitter. Emotions were high after.”
Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.