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Hagerstown Suns

Suns grab long-awaited 3-1 win after falling, 5-1 in suspended game

June 6, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


HAGERSTOWN, MD -- After waiting three rainy days just to complete a game -- and five innings on top of that to score a run -- the Hagerstown Suns (24-27) finally got back on the winning track Saturday night on a swing that was not even meant to have happened.

After the Suns fell 5-1 to the Lake County Captains (25-28) in the completion of a game suspended due to rain back on Wednesday night, third baseman Steven Souza started the Suns on their way to a 3-1 victory in the evening's second game when he reached second base on a check-swing grounder in the fourth inning.

With the Suns trailing 1-0, Souza's unintentional dribbler was fielded by Lake County pitcher T.J. House and thrown past the first baseman, allowing Souza to advance into scoring position. Left fielder Charlie Fermaint then scorched a grounder up the middle to score Souza and tie the game, and catcher Sandy Leon followed by doubling down the left field line to put Hagerstown on top.

Right-hander Marcos Frias (4-1) took over pitching duties for the Suns in the top of the fifth, replacing starter Paul Demny, who held the Captains to just one run leading up to Hagerstown's breakout inning, but did not pitch long enough to qualify for the win. Frias finished off what Demny started, pitching three scoreless innings in his first relief appearance of the season to move into a three-way tie for the team lead in wins.

The Suns added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth after second baseman Steve Lombardozzi reached base to chase Captains starter T.J. House (1-6) from the game. Lake County brought Mike McGuire in from the bullpen to face Hagerstown designated hitter Derek Norris, who promptly crushed a double off the left-field wall to plate Lombardozzi and put the Suns up 3-1. It was the 43rd run batted in by Norris this season, putting him seven RBIs ahead of Greensboro's Ben Lasater for the South Atlantic League lead.

The efficient, seven-inning win was just what the Suns needed after waiting through three straight days of rain just to fall 5-1 earlier in the evening, in the completion of the game suspended Wednesday night. The game was suspended due to heavy rains in the bottom of the fourth inning back on Wednesday, just one batter after Souza tied the game at one for the Suns on an RBI groundout by Fermaint.

Chris Jones (1-0) took over the pitching for Lake County when the game was resumed Saturday, and got through the final two outs of the bottom of the fourth to keep the game tied. Hagerstown counterpart Brad Peacock (1-5) did not fair as well, getting the fifth-inning "start" for Hagerstown and allowing two quick runs in his first inning of work. Peacock hit the first batter he faced and then overthrew first on a bunt by Lake County's Delvi Cid, setting up a two-run single by Donnie Webb that put the Captains up 3-1.

A Suns error was at the heart of another two-run Lake County rally in the top of the eighth, and Hagerstown finished with four errors on the game, tying a season high. Jones, meanwhile, shut out the Suns for four and two-thirds innings to secure the 5-1 win for the Captains in his first appearance for the team.

Hagerstown has an off day Sunday before heading to Lakewood for four games to play the BlueClaws. The Suns return home on Friday, June 12 for four games in three days against the Delmarva Shorebirds, including a Saturday doubleheader.

There is still time for Suns fans to sign up for the Chick-fil-A Friends and Family plan for the Friday, June 12 game. For just $24.99, fans will receive four tickets to the game, four value meals at Chick-fil-A, and four limited edition Suns hats. Fans interested in purchasing the package can call the Suns ticket offices at 301-791-6266.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Ticket packages and sponsorships are available by calling the Suns at 301-791-6266. Visit the Suns on the web at www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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