SAL Wilmington Blue Rocks

Blue Rocks' Late Rally Falls Short in Home Opener

Published on April 11, 2023 under South Atlantic League (SAL)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


The Wilmington Blue Rocks opened up Frawley Stadium to a passionate crowd on Tuesday as they kicked off a six-game series against the Hickory Crawdads.

Unfortunately for the Blue Rocks, they let a runner reach base on an error in the top of the first inning, who later scored on a sacrifice fly by Hickory's Alejandro Osuna.

For 2022 third overall pick and top pitching prospect Kumar Rocker, the single run was enough of an advantage for him to work comfortably though five innings, tallying 8 strikeouts and only allowing two hits in his Minor League debut.

Blue Rocks hurler Rodney Theophile matched Rucker's five innings with five strikeouts and only two earned runs, providing the home team a chance to respond once Rucker's duties were relieved.

Pitchers Jaren Zinn and Peyton Glavine each threw a scoreless inning for the Blue Rocks out of the bullpen, successful in keeping the Crawdad's offense dormant.

It was not until after an 8th-inning insurance run off a Daniel Mateo single that the Blue Rocks bats began to wake up. Down three in the bottom of the ninth, they put together a rally that included a single from rightfielder Jeremy De La Rosa and a triple from centerfielder James Wood. Wood finished the night with a game-high three hits.

Wood would later score on a groundout to cut the lead to one run, but Hickory pitcher Bradford Webb closed the door on a comeback, securing the final out with a called strike three on second baseman Viandel Pena.

The Blue Rocks will likely have another chance against Rocker in the last game of the series on Sunday.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 11, 2023


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