CarL1 Potomac Nationals

P-Nats take game one in split

Published on July 7, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


WOODBRIDGE, Va.- An offensive night was not in the script for the Potomac Nationals against the Salem Avalanche scoring just two runs in two games, but they still managed a split in a doubleheader at Pfitzner Stadium.

In game one of tonight's twin bill both starting pitchers were exceptional. The two teams combined for just one run and six hits but it was Potomac who came out on top 1-0. Zack Segovia and Douglas Arguello each deserved wins based on their performance matching each other inning for inning. However, Arguello of Salem, who tossed a complete game made one big mistake that ultimately cost him and his club.

With the game tied 0-0 in the second inning, Marvin Lowrance drew a walk and Matt Rogelstad's single advanced him to third with no outs. Arguello (5-3) then buckled down and retired the next two hitters without allowing the runner from third to score. Francisco Plasencia then walked to put runners at every base. The bases loaded pressure unnerved Arguello as his wild pitch to Brian Finegan allowed Rogelstad to come home for the eventual winning run.

Contrarily, Segovia wiggled his way in and out of pressure innings, but still posted zeros on the scoreboard. The right-hander was making his Potomac debut and shined over 5 2/3 shutout innings. Segovia (1-0) allowed just three hits and recorded five strikeouts in the win.

Segovia and the Nationals nearly lost the 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning when Jack Spradlin inherited a runner at third base with two outs. The left-hander induced Mark Ori's ground ball to first base but Finegan's throw was low forcing Spradlin to make a shoestring play.

Ryan Wagner earned the save in his second P-Nats appearance in three days pitching a scoreless seventh. Before Saturday, Wagner had not pitched since May of 2007.

Game two did not begin or end the way the Nationals had hoped. After a one hour and five minute rain delay, starter Jhonny Nunez never found his stuff. The right-hander struggled over four innings allowing four runs and six hits. Salem scored all four runs in the first three innings. Mark Ori had a three RBI night including a solo home run in the first inning, his sixth of the season. Jimmy VanOstrand capped a two-run third inning with an RBI single.

Potomac never mounted a serious threat against Avalanche starter Corey Bass. Bass (3-10) entered the game in search of his third win of the season and shut the Nationals down over five innings allowing just one run. Relievers Chris Salamida and Jason Dominguez each pitched one shutout inning of relief to safeguard the 6-1 win and series victory.

The Nationals finished the home stand 2-4 losing both series. After an off day tomorrow, Potomac hits the road for a seven-game road trip and will resume play on Wednesday night against the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Left-hander Ross Detwiler (5-5, 5.87) will take the mound for the P-Nats opposite Matt Kniginyzky (4-7, 3.90) for Wilmington.

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Carolina League Stories from July 7, 2008


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