CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Binford Dominant in Wilmington Win

Published on May 3, 2014 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Zebulon, NC - A dominant performance by Christian Binford combined with an opportunistic effort by the Wilmington offense carried the Blue Rocks to an 8-1 win over the Carolina Mudcats on Saturday at Five County Stadium. It was the Blue Crew's second straight victory, something the Rocks had not accomplished since April 14-16, and it ties Wilmington's longest winning streak of the season.

Binford (2-1) at times looked unhittable. The right-hander set the tone early by striking out the side in the opening inning and took a perfect game into the fifth. He allowed a lead-off double that frame to Jeremy Lucas, but worked his way out of a first-and-third jam by inducing an inning-ending double play off the bat of Alex Monsalve.

Binford would yield another single in the sixth, but that was it. The 10th-ranked prospect in the Royals system, according to Baseball America, retired the side in order five times and allowed just three hits while fanning eight and walking none in seven innings. He tied his own team-best mark for longest outing of the season.

Meanwhile, the Wilmington offense used some big hits to take advantage of five Carolina errors and blow the game open early.

The Rocks took a 2-0 edge in the first on an infield single by Raul Mondesi and a two-run blast to left by Bubba Starling. Wilmington extended the edge to 3-0 with an unearned run in the second. Terrance Gore reached on a defensive miscue, went to third on an errant pickoff throw by Carolina starter Shawn Morrimando (3-1) and came home on Mondesi's double to the left-field corner.

Wilmington ended the game's competitive phase in the fourth. The Rocks loaded the bases with no outs and Mondesi sent a soft-hopper toward third. James Roberts threw wildly to first and as a result, all three runners came around to score. After Starling grounded into a fielder's choice, the Blue Crew got a Hunter Dozier walk and a two-run RBI knock by Johermyn Chavez.

Carolina ended Wilmington's bid for a third shutout of the season when Torsten Boss homered off of Ali Williams to start the ninth inning.

The Blue Rocks continue their seven-game road trip on Sunday when they wrap up their series with the Mudcats. Wilmington will send southpaw Daniel Stumpf (0-4, 5.63) to the mound, while Carolina will counter with righty D.J. Brown (2-0, 1.89). First pitch is slated for 2 p.m., and fans can listen to the broadcast on 89.7 WGLS-FM. The Blue Crew will return to Frawley Stadium on Thursday, May 8. For ticket information, call 302-888-BLUE or visit BlueRocks.com.

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Carolina League Stories from May 3, 2014


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