Blue Rocks Game Notes for July 18

July 18, 2009 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release

Wilmington Blue Rocks (47-42, 9-11) Carolina League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals

vs.

Frederick Keys (42-47, 11-9) Carolina League Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles

Games No. 90/91 -- Home Games No. 44/45 -- Frawley Stadium -- Sat., July 18, 2009 -- 5:05 p.m. (DH)

RAIN KINGS: The record-setting pace of rainouts in the Carolina League continued on Friday night as Mother Nature forced the postponement of the Blue Rocks' series opener against the Frederick Keys to prompt tonight's doubleheader. It marks Wilmington's 11th rainout of the year and ninth at home.

ROSTER RUMBLINGS:The Royals have been a few significant changes to Wilmington's roster. OutfielderAdrian Ortizhas been sent to Low-ABurlington (MWL). He had been struggling to a .196 average since June 1. Two new faces join the Blue Crew, including the third-overall pick in the 2008 draft, first base- man Eric Hosmer. The 19-year-old Florida native hit .254, 5, 49 in 79 games at Low-A. That includes a .278 clip this month with two of his five homers. Baseball America ranks Hosmer as the organization's second-best prospect behind Rocks' third baseman Mike Moustakas. The publication also toutsHosmer as the system's "Best Hitter For Average". Outfielder Nick Van Strattenalso has heard the call from Iowa. The Midwest League All-Star enjoyed great success, hitting .318, 1, 38 with 20 doubles, five triples and 15 stolen bases for the Bees. Both players are driving in from Iowa and are not expected to play in tonight's twin bill.

TRIUMPHANT RETURN:Abrilliant start by the newest member of their rotation and another lights-out performance by the back end of the bullpen carried the Blue Rocks to a 2-1 victory over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Thursday night. Jason Godinallowed only four hits and one unearned run over six innings in his first home start since a comeback liner broke his jaw on June 17, 2008.

Carolina League Stories from July 18, 2009

• Dash Survive Marathon, Defeat Pelicans 6-5 in Extras - Winston-Salem Dash
• Myrtle Beach unable to capitalize on late-inning ralies - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Wilmington Arms Lead the Way as Blue Crew Takes Two From Keys - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Potomac Pitching Puts "K" in K-Tribe - Potomac Nationals
• Garrison limits Cats to one run in six innings en route to sixth win - Lynchburg Hillcats
• Frederick Fades Back To .500 Suffering Doubleheader Sweep - Frederick Keys
• Potomac Wins Pitchers' Duel 2-1 - Kinston Indians
• Garrison Delivers Another Strong Performance as Sox Beat Cats 4-2 - Salem Red Sox
• Hillcats Game Notes for July 18 - Lynchburg Hillcats
• Blue Rocks Game Notes for July 18 - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• P-Nats Game Notes for July 18 - Potomac Nationals
• Indians Game Notes for July 18 - Kinston Indians
• Dash Brief Game Notes for July 18 - Winston-Salem Dash
• Red Sox Game Notes for July 18 - Salem Red Sox
• Negron's Two-Run Double Highlights Four-Run 15th as Sox Outlast Cats - Salem Red Sox
• Salem Outlasts Lynchburg In 15-Inning Marathon - Lynchburg Hillcats

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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