MONSTERS WALK OFF HOME OPENER IN 10TH

Rashad Robinson celebrated his birthday in fine style Friday night, going 2-for-2 and capping the game with a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to score the winning run as the Choccolocco Monsters topped the Brookhaven Bucks 9-8 in the team's home opener.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Monsters appearing to blow things open with a six-run fourth inning that saw 11 batters come to the plate. But the Bucks climbed back inning by inning, tying the game with three runs in the eighth to force extras.

In the bottom of the 10th inning, designated runner Hunter Humphries would steal third base to set the stage for Robinson's heroics. Robinson, who also walked three times and scored twice in the game, lifted a fly ball to left field for the game-winning sacrifice fly as the Monsters celebrated the win by singing happy birthday to him on the field after the game.

Avery Brown recorded the win in 2.1 innings of work, giving up one hit and striking out three. Hayes Harrison gave the team a strong start in his hometown debut, going four innings with six hits, five strikeouts and one walk while allowing three earned runs.

The same two teams are back at it tomorrow night at 6:05 pm CT. Tickets are on sale now through the Monsters website or at the box office tomorrow starting two hours before first pitch.