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CarL1 Lynchburg Hillcats

Caldera Stymies Lynchburg Offense In Series Finale

August 27, 2009 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Lynchburg Hillcats News Release


Wilmington's Alex Caldera turned in a dominating pitching performance as the right-hander allowed just one hit in eight shutout innings in the Blue Rocks' 7-2 victory over Lynchburg at City Stadium Thursday night. Wilmington swept the four-game series from the Hillcats and extended its franchise-record road winning streak to nine games. The Cats will travel to Winston-Salem for the opener of a three-game series on Friday at 7 p.m.

The Blue Rocks (39-20, 77-51) seized the lead in the third inning. After Lynchburg starter Justin Wilson retired the first two Wilmington batters, Anthony Seratelli singled and reached second when Wilson issued a walk to Derrick Robinson. Johnny Giavotella followed with an RBI single that scored Seratelli and enabled Robinson to reach third. After Giavotella stole second, Mike Moustakas ripped a two-run single that gave Wilmington a 3-0 advantage.

Wilmington extended its lead by scoring a run in the top of the fourth without the benefit of a hit. Nick Van Stratten drew a leadoff walk from Wilson and reached second on a wild pitch. Van Stratten advanced to third on a groundout from Jamar Walton. Paulo Orlando drove in Van Stratten with an RBI groundout that put Wilmington in front 4-0.

Lynchburg (24-36, 69-60) fell into a deeper hole when Mike Colla replaced Wilson at the start of the fifth inning. Colla allowed consecutive singles to Seratelli and Derrick Robinson to start the inning before striking out Giavotella and Moustakas. But Clint Robinson delivered a clutch two-run double and Van Stratten followed with an RBI double that scored Robinson and gave Wilmington a commanding 7-0 advantage.

While Wilmington's offense struck for seven runs in a three-inning span, Caldera did not allow a base hit until the bottom of the seventh when Jamie Romak hit a one-out bloop double to right field. Caldera appeared unfazed at the loss of a potential no-hitter. He retired the next two Lynchburg batters to complete the inning and then returned to toss a scoreless frame in the eighth.

Matt Hague belted a two-run home run off Blue Rocks reliever Zach Peterson in the bottom of the ninth, which enabled Lynchburg to avoid the shutout.

Caldera (5-10) allowed just one hit and three walks and recorded two strikeouts in eight innings pitched to earn the win for Wilmington, which completed a four-game series sweep of Lynchburg. Wilson (6-8) surrendered four hits and four earned runs in four innings and was charged with the loss.

Lynchburg embarks on an eight-game road trip, which begins with a three-game series at Winston-Salem Friday night. The Hillcats will send LHP Rudy Owens (1-1, 2.95 ERA) to the mound while Winston-Salem is expected to counter with RHP Dylan Axelrod (2-1, 1.56 ERA). Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Wake Forest Ballpark.

Tune in to FM 105.5 KD Country, 96.9 FM Roanoke or online at www.kdcountry.com or www.lynchburg-hillcats.com for all the live action beginning at 6:40 p.m. Friday.

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