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SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Blake Perkins Tallies Two Walk-Off Hits in Suns Doubleheader Sweep

April 23, 2017 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Suns center fielder Blake Perkins tallied two walk-off base hits in one afternoon during a doubleheader sweep of the Delmarva Shorebirds on Sunday with a three-run homer to win the opener, 4-1, followed by a bases-loaded single in extra innings for a 5-4 triumph in the finale.

Perkins, a second-round draft pick by the Washington Nationals in 2015, entered the day without a walk-off tally in his three-year professional career. He finished 4-for-8 with four runs scored, four RBIs and two game-winning hits during 16 innings of baseball at Municipal Stadium.

The Suns (12-6) trailed 1-0 in the first of two seven-inning games before Perkins led off the sixth inning with a double and later scored the tying-run on a Juan Soto single. Perkins came back to the plate with two runners aboard and one out in the seventh and delivered his first home run of the season to set off a celebration.

In the nightcap, Perkins reached base in each of his first two at-bats, scoring both times on Soto RBIs. The Suns trailed 3-2 entering the seventh but Aldrem Corredor tied it up with one swing of the bat and forced extra innings with a lead-off, solo homer.

Preston Palmeiro, son of former Baltimore Orioles first baseman Rafael Palmeiro, put the Shorebirds ahead with a solo home run of his own against Suns reliever Kyle Simonds (Win, 2-0) in the top of the eight but Carter Kieboom tied up the game again with a towering, 417-foot shot over the left field wall.

With another walk-off opportunity, the Suns wasted no time in the bottom of the ninth. Daniel Johnson and Jorge Tillero got aboard with singles before Angelo LaBruna executed a fake bunt, swinging from one knee for a looping single into left. That set the table again for Perkins, who fired a sharp single up the middle for his second game-winning hit in less than three hours.

Suns southpaw Hayden Howard made his first professional start in the series finale and took a no-decision after giving up three earned runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings. Suns relief pitcher Mick VanVossen (Win, 2-0) picked up a victory in the opening game on Sunday. He allowed a solo home run in two innings of work with four strikeouts.

The Suns won three of four games during the home series against Delmarva thanks to three walk-off base hits. Jake Noll landed a ninth-inning, bases-loaded single to finish the first game of Friday's doubleheader with the Shorebirds, 4-3. Hagerstown is now 10-0 when scoring four runs or more this season.

The Suns own the best record in the SAL and continue their week-long homestand Monday night when the Annapolis Intimidators visit for the first of three games. Suns righty Sterling Sharp heads to the mound at 6:05 p.m. on a Belly Buster Monday. Every game ticket is good for all-you-can-eat concessions including hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and popcorn.

To purchase your Belly Buster tickets, call (301) 791-6266 or visit hagerstownsuns.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 23, 2017


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