CarL1 Frederick Keys

C Brian Ward Drives in Game's Winning Run in the Bottom of the Ninth

Published on May 6, 2011 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release


In front of the largest crowd of the 2011 season, the Keys defeated the Wilmington Blue Rocks in walk-off fashion at Harry Grove Stadium. C Brian Ward singled off LHP Ryan Dennick to bring home CF Miguel Abreu in the bottom of the ninth. The 2-1 victory put the Keys at 14-13 on the year.

LHP Nathan Moreau got the start for the Keys on Friday night. Moreau ran into trouble in the second inning. 3B John Whittleman led off the inning with single and DH Tim Ferguson followed with a double down the right field line. After SS Alex McClure struck out looking, C Juan Graterol walked to load the bases for the Blue Rocks. With one out, Moreau struck out his college teammate, 1B Joey Lewis, but CF Whit Merrifield was able to help the Rocks score the game's first run. Merrifield grounded a ball to right of SS Garabez Rosa. Rosa gloved the grounder but bobbled the transition as everyone was safe. Whittleman scored on the play as Wilmington took a 1-0 lead.

Moreau finished up his night after four innings. He allowed one run, zero earned, on three hits while striking out four and walking three.

Facing RHP Elisaul Pimentel, the Keys puts runners on the base every inning against the Royals' 29th prospect but could not get on the board. Pimentel allowed four hits over six shutout innings on Friday night.

Frederick tied the game up at one in the bottom of the eighth. With one out, Keys manager Orlando Gomez pinch hit Bobby Stevens for 3B Dale Mollenhauer. Stevens lined a Kevin Chapman pitch into leftfield to get on base. After a Buck Britton groundout moved Stevens to second, LF LJ Hoes tied the game with a RBI single into right field.

The Keys bullpen finished out their stellar evening with a scoreless ninth. RHP Kenny Moreland tossed three scoreless innings of relief while LHP Chris Petrini followed with two shutout frames.

Going against LHP Ryan Dennick in the bottom of the ninth, CF Miguel Abreu singled with one out. With RF Jacob Julius at the plate, Abreu stole second to get into scoring position. Following a Julius strikeout, Brian Ward stepped to the plate in a big spot. With the count at 1-1, Ward lined a Dennick pitch into left field to give the Keys a 2-1 win.

Petrini picked up his victory as a Frederick Key while Dennick dropped to 1-1 on the season.

Wilmington and Frederick return to the diamond on Saturday night. The Blue Rocks will send RHP Tim Melville (2-3, 5.33) to the hill while the Keys starter is to be determined. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. at Harry Grove Stadium.

Saturday night is Beach Night at Harry Grove Stadium. A luau will take place in the courtyard from 4-6 p.m. and 10 cruises courtesy of Fun Time Vacation will be given away throughout the evening. Fireworks will follow Saturday's game.

For ticket call 1-877-8-GO-KEYS or purchase online at www.frederickkeys.com.

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Carolina League Stories from May 6, 2011


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