Blackburn and Three Double Plays Extend Keys Slide to Six

July 31, 2015 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release

FREDERICK, Md. -Paul Blackburn fired off seven shutout innings, while the Frederick Keys bounced into three double plays in a 2-1 loss to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Friday night at Nymeo Field. Sporting Chucky Finster-themed uniforms on 90's Nickelodeon night, the new look did not bring new luck, as the Keys saw their losing streak stretch to a season-high six games.

Blackburn (5-4) equaled the longest outing of his career, firing seven innings and scattering seven hits. He walked two and struck out three in his first victory since May 30. One of Myrtle Beach's top arms this month, Blackburn has given up only one run in 20 innings since being taken off the disabled on July 13.

The Keys had several run scoring opportunities, but were hurt on several occasions by the twin-killing. Friday's three double play balls were two-shy of Frederick's season-high.

Myrtle Beach plated singled markers against Mitch Horacek in the fourth and sixth innings. Chesny Young reached on an error by third baseman Tanner Witt to open the fourth, while Young advanced to second on a wild pitch. Later in the inning, Victor Caritini singled home his teammate. That duo would also account for the Birds second run in the sixth, as Caritini drove in Young with a base hit through the left side after the later doubled.

Horacek (6-12) turned in his team-best eighth quality start but suffered his third straight defeat. Tossing six innings, the lefty gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits. He walked two and struck out five.

Frederick's lone run came in the eighth against Josh Conway. Jay Gonzalez singled to open the frame and scored after a single by Chance Sisco and a wild pitch. Jasvir Rakkar worked a clean ninth inning to pick up his 13th save.

The Keys and Pelicans continue their series on Saturday night at Nymeo Field. Left-hander Chris Lee (3-6, 3.38) makes the start for the orange and black and will be opposed by Pelicans right-hander Brad Markey (3-0, 0.76). First pitch is slated for 6:00 p.m and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source and frederickkeys.com. It is Keyote's Superhero Birthday and Keys players and coaches will be wearing special jerseys with proceeds benefiting the Living Legacy Foundation. For tickets, fans can call the Keys at 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

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Carolina League Stories from July 31, 2015

• Potomac Drops Fourth Straight In5-1 Loss to Salem - Potomac Nationals
• Dash Win Late over Hillcats, 7-6 - Lynchburg Hillcats
• Paul Blackburn Twirls Seven Scoreless Frames In Win - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Blackburn and Three Double Plays Extend Keys Slide to Six - Frederick Keys
• Whalen Goes Seven Strong as Mudcats Win Fourth Straight - Carolina Mudcats
• Winston Stuns Lynchburg for Sixth Win in a Row - Winston-Salem Dash
• Wilmington Drops Low-Scoring Series Opener to Carolina - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Salem Snaps Skid with 5-1 Win at Potomac - Salem Red Sox
• Hillcats Game Notes July 31, 2015, 7 p.m. at Winston-Salem - Lynchburg Hillcats
• Potomac Nationals Game Notes vs. the Salem Red Sox - Potomac Nationals
• July 31 Carolina Mudcats Game Information - Carolina Mudcats
• Winston-Salem Dash Game Notes (July 31 vs. Lynchburg) - Winston-Salem Dash
• Pelicans Game Notes: 7:00 p.m. ET at Frederick Keys - July 31, 2015 - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• C Jordan Procyshen Activated - Salem Red Sox
• Unlikely Hero: Penalver's Homer Walks off Potomac - Myrtle Beach Pelicans

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