CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Canning's Bunt Gives Potomac 7-6 Walk-Off Win

Published on July 30, 2019 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


Woodbridge, VA - In the lone series between the two teams at the top of the Northern Division Second Half playoff race, the Potomac Nationals (50-56, 20-19) tallied a 10th inning walk-off win over the division-leading Salem Red Sox (48-57). With runners on the corners and one out in the bottom of the 10th inning, RF Gage Canning pulled a bunt to 2B Nick Lovullo, which plated 2B Austin Davidson and gave Potomac a 7-6 win.

Both teams struck for a four-run frame in the first third of the game. Potomac scored four times in the bottom of the first inning, while the Red Sox responded with four runs a half inning later against LHP Carson Teel (ND).

After RHP Thad Ward (ND) gave up four runs on three hits in the opening frame, the Salem starter didn't allow a hit over the rest of his five-inning outing. Ward departed after just 75 pitches in line for the win.

The Red Sox took the lead on a two-out RBI single from DH Jagger Rusconi in the third inning and extended the lead on a two-out RBI double from Lovullo in the sixth frame. Teel was charged with six earned runs over 5.2 innings in a no-decision.

In relief of Ward, LHP Rio Gomez worked out of a jam in the sixth inning but failed to capitalize on two quick outs in the seventh frame. Davidson doubled on a two-strike, two-out pitch, while C Jakson Reetz followed with a two-strike home run to left field. Reetz's home run tied the game 6-6.

RHP Jhonatan German (W, 2-2) issued a leadoff walk for Potomac in the ninth inning but retired the next three Salem hitters, while the right-handed reliever stranded the bases loaded in the 10th frame with strikeouts of Rusconi and C Charlie Madden.

In the home half of the inning, Davidson began the frame as the free baserunner at second base. Reetz hit a shallow pop up single to centerfield, which put runners on first and third base with no outs. After DH KJ Harrison flied out to shallow left field, not deep enough to plate Davidson, Canning bunted the first pitch to 2B Korby Batesole, who was playing back at second base in position for a potential double play. Batesole rushed a throw to the plate, which was far too late and off target to get Davidson, as Canning gave Potomac a walk-off single and a 7-6 win.

With the victory, the P-Nats sit just 3.5 games behind Salem for first place in the Northern Division's second half standings.

In an effort to secure at minimum a series win, Potomac is scheduled to start RHP Kyle Johnston (9-9, 4.03) on Wednesday night. Last time out, Johnston allowed just one run over seven innings but picked up the loss to the Wilmington Blue Rocks. For Salem, RHP Enmanuel De Jesus (6-7, 3.99) is slated to start in a chance to move the Red Sox's cushion back to 4.5 games. De Jesus has spun a quality start in three straight outings.

First pitch at Northwest Federal Field at Pfitzner Stadium on Wednesday night is set for 7:05pm. The Potomac broadcast will get underway at 6:50pm with the P-Nats Leadoff Show. You can listen to the Potomac broadcast at potomacnationals.com or on the TuneIn Radio App.

The Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League play at Northwest Federal Field at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, and are the Carolina League affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Potomac Nationals have claimed five Carolina League Championship titles (1982, 1989, 2008, 2010, and 2014) and 10 CL Northern Division Championships. Sponsorship opportunities for the P-Nats' 2019 season and beyond are available, as well as all-inclusive corporate picnic outings to watch the future stars of the Washington Nationals at The Pfitz. 2019 Potomac Nationals season tickets and mini plans are now on sale. For more information on Potomac Nationals 2019 season tickets, mini plans, group outings, picnic packages, fundraisers, and all things Red, White, and Blue, visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com, follow the P-Nats on Facebook (@PotomacNationals), Twitter (@PNats42), and Instagram (@pnats42), or call the Potomac Nationals' Extreme Custom Collision Ticket Office at 703-590-2311.

Fredericksburg Baseball is set to begin Carolina League play in 2020 at a brand new, state-of-the-art stadium facility, located at Celebrate Virginia South on Carl D. Silver Parkway near the Fredericksburg Expo & Convention Center in Fredericksburg, VA. Celebrate baseball in The 'Burg and stay up to date with the progress of the new ballpark facility and the team online at www.fredericksburgbaseball.com, and follow Fredericksburg Baseball on Facebook (@FredericksburgBaseball), on Twitter (@FXBGBaseball20), and on Instagram (@fredericksburgbaseball).

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Carolina League Stories from July 30, 2019


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