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Wilmington Blue Rocks

Rocks fall on Thursday night in Winston-Salem

August 19, 2004 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Winston-Salem, NC- The Wilmington Blue Rocks fell to the Winston-Salem Warthogs, 4-1, on Thursday night. The Warthogs garnered a split of the four-game series at Ernie Shore Field after losing the first two games of the series with the Blue Rocks.

Ken Ray (10-7) tossed six innings of four-hit shutout baseball and notched his 10th win of the season and his first in five outings against Wilmington. Ray, who pitched with Wilmington in 1995, retired eight in a row and 13 of 14 to finish up.

Eric Ackerman (5-6), who was making his first start since June 12 in game two of a doubleheader at Frederick, suffered the loss for Wilmington. Ackerman, 24, allowed three runs (all earned) on six hits over four innings.

Brian Becker broke a scoreless tie with a one-out solo home run in the second inning, his 18th of the season.

In the fourth inning, Darren Blakely hit his 18th home run of the season and fifth against Wilmington, giving the Warthogs a 3-0 advantage.

Drew Endicott worked two scoreless innings out of the bullpen in relief of Ackerman. He walked no one and retired the side in order on three groundball outs in the sixth inning.

Winston-Salem added to their lead in the seventh inning against reliever Steve Bray, who rejoined the club from Burlington (MWL) on Thursday. Bray allowed back-to-back doubles to Peanut Williams and Tommy Nicholson in the seventh inning.

In the ninth, Donnie Murphy ruined Winston-Salem’s shutout bid with a two-out solo home run to left field against reliever Jose Espinal. Espinal did retire the next batter Shane Costa on a strike out to end the game.

The Blue Rocks return home and begin a seven-game home stand with a doubleheader against the Lynchburg Hillcats on Friday night at 6:05 p.m. Devon Lowery (8-8, 3.64) goes up against Lynchburg’s Jonathan Albaladejo (8-7, 4.20) in the opener. In the nightcap, Mike Stodolka (2-2, 4.25) goes against Ryan Mottl (2-5, 5.96).

Game Notes: The Blue Rocks have 18 games remaining in the second half with eight on the road and 10 at home.

Bray and left-handed pitcher John Gragg were both added to Wilmington’s active roster on Thursday. Gragg went 3-10 with a 4.40 ERA in 26 games with Burlington prior to his promotion.

Bray is back with Wilmington for the second time this season. He was with the club in late April and returned to Burlington in early May.

Mitch Maier had a bunt single in the second inning, breaking a 0-for-22 skid at the plate.

The Rocks went 11-9 against the Warthogs in 2004. Wilmington won seven of 10 at Frawley and dropped six of 10 at Ernie Shore Field against the Warhogs.

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Carolina League Stories from August 19, 2004


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