SL1 Carolina Mudcats

Carolina sweeps doubleheader

Published on May 6, 2009 under Southern League (SL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release


Zebulon, NC --- With the rest of the Southern League practically rained out on Wednesday, Carolina was able to sweep a doubleheader from first-place Mobile at Five County Stadium on Wednesday night.

Matthew Klinker (W, 1-0) won his Double-A debut, while Travis Wood (W, 1-3) finally netted his first win of the season as Carolina snapped a three-game losing streak and moved out of the Northern Division cellar. With the sweep, Carolina moved into fourth place, 3 1/2 games behind first place Tennessee, which was rained out Wednesday. Three of the other four games in the league were canceled due to rain.

Klinker, called up from High-A Sarasota to start last night only to have it rained out, recorded three double play balls in his first three innings, then was staked to a 3-0 lead in the second inning thanks to a bases loaded walk to Eric Eymann, then a two-run double by Chris Heisey as the Mudcats (11-16) took a 3-0 lead. After the BayBears (17-10) scored twice in the fourth on a homer by Gerardo Parra, Juan Francisco blasted a solo homer to center for a 4-2 lead. Sean Watson (S, 2) recorded his second save in the seventh.

In the nightcap, Wood, winless at 0-3 despite the fifth best ERA in the Southern League (1.35), matched Cody Evans (L, 2-3) through two scoreless innings before a 26-minute rain delay halted action. When the ultrabrief storm passed, Carolina went ahead with two in the fourth. With two outs and none on, Todd Frazier hustled a single into a double, then advanced to third when Pete Clifford fumbled a weak grounder by Shaun Cumberland. Michael Griffin then belted a two-run double against the left-centerfield wall for a 2-0 lead.

Wood carried his shutout into the seventh, when bidding for his first career complete game, Wood walked the leadoff hitter and was pulled. Ramon Geronimo (S, 2) entered and immediately allowed a double, putting runners at second and third with no outs. Clifford's grounder scored a run and advanced the tying run to third with on out. However, Geronimo fanned pinch-hitter James Skelton and then Chris Rahl's blast to third was handled by Francisco to end the game.

Justin Mallett (0-0, 5.06) starts Thursday night against Jarrod Parker (0-1, 4.15) at 7:15 PM ET.

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Southern League Stories from May 6, 2009


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