CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Pelicans sweep opener

Published on May 13, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


WOODBRIDGE, Va.- Myrtle Beach overtook Potomac for the Carolina League's best record over the weekend and the two met Tuesday night to settle the issue on the field. However, the result was not positive for the Nationals as Myrtle Beach's pitchers dominated Potomac's offense winning both games and sweeping the doubleheader.

In game one, Potomac held a lead for the majority of the game but could not hold on for the win. Jhonny Nunez took the mound for the P-Nats looking to win his first game of the season. The right-hander limited the Pelicans to no runs and just four hits over five solid innings of work earning a no-decision.

The Nationals scored an early run in the second inning without recording a hit thanks to a Myrtle Beach mistake. Frank Diaz walked and stole second base with one out, and later scored on an error by second baseman Chad Lundahl, who could not handle a ground ball off the bat of Seth Bynum. The Nationals would not score again against Pelican's starter Deunte Heath (5-1) who threw a complete game.

Nunez departed in line for the win, but the Nationals bullpen imploded in the sixth. Carlos Martinez (0-1) and Adam Carr combined to surrender six runs on four hits as Myrtle Beach erupted offensively. Seven consecutive hitters reached base and all of the Pelicans runs were scored with two outs as they sent 10 hitters to the plate in the inning. Concepcion Rodriguez and Lundahl provided the big blows with back-to-back two-run hits capping the 6-1 victory.

The Nationals pitching held strong in game two as Terrence Engles tossed his best game of his young P-Nat career. Engles (0-3) pitched well enough to earn the victory giving up just one run in six strong innings. Engles though, did not receive any help from his offense in the 1-0 defeat.

Myrtle Beach's lone run came in the fifth inning when Concepcion Rodriguez drew a leadoff walk and scored on a two-out RBI single from Travis Jones.

Trailing 1-0, Potomac mounted a serious threat in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Nationals had runners at first and third with one out but Dee Brown could not bring in the tying run after striking out against Pelican's starter Kyle Cofield (2-4). After Brian Peacock's walk loaded the bases, Pelicans manager Rocket Wheeler brought in left-hander Bryan Dumesnil who induced Matt Rogelstad's fly out to center field ending the inning.

Carolina League saves leader Kevin Gunderson pitched a scoreless seventh inning to earn his tenth save of the season and hold on to the 1-0 victory for Myrtle Beach.

The four-game series resumes tomorrow at Pfitzner Stadium. Ross Detwiler (2-2, 4.45), who is coming off of a win last Friday at Kinston will take the mound for the P-Nats opposite Ryne Ryenoso (3-1, 3.44). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Carolina League Stories from May 13, 2008


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