CL North Claims Thrilling Win in All-Star Classic
June 18, 2019 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release
Nick Banks of the Potomac Nationals gets a Gatorade bath
(Frederick Keys, Credit: Alexis Oser)
FREDERICK, MD - A Nick Banks three-run home run fueled an 8-5 Carolina League North come-from-behind win over the Carolina League South on Tuesday night in the Carolina League All-Star Classic presented by Visit Frederick at Nymeo Field. Ending the game 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored, Banks was named the Bush's Beans MVP of this year's all-star game.
With the game tied at five in the bottom of the eighth, the Potomac Nationals' Banks gave the CL North the lead for good. Myrtle Beach's Paul Richan plunked Cole Freeman to begin the inning, while Willy Yahn hit a single to push the go-ahead run to third. Two batters later, Banks hit a three-run home run that snuck over the leftfield wall to put the CL North on top for good.
In the top of the ninth, Wilmington's Tyler Zuber walked the leadoff batter before striking out back-to-back hitters. The right-hander proceeded to go to a 2-2 count against Corey Julks who made it a one-run game with a two-run homer. Zuber closed the door from there, striking out Down East's Diosbel Arias to end the game.
With the CL South leading 5-0, a pair of Frederick Keys players played a prominent role in helping the North All-Stars tie the game. With two aboard, the North broke through with a sac-fly by Pedro Castellanos. Cole Billingsley then reached on a fielder's choice and stole second and third base. Following a walk to Corredor, Freeman hit an RBI single and Willy Yahn made it a one-run contest with a two-run base hit.
In the seventh, Billingsley tied up the game with a single than scored Banks from second base. Billingsley and Yahn were a collective 3-for-6 with three RBIs and two runs scored.
The CL South scored four times in the second off Juan Hillman and sent eight to bat. With the bases loaded, a fielder's choice and a throwing error by the pitcher led to two runs, while Payton Henry knocked in a two-run single.
Tad Ratliff (1-0) earned the win pitching a scoreless eighth inning with a strikeout. Richan (0-1) suffered the loss, giving up three runs on two hits in the eighth. Zuber earned the save, allowing the two-run home run in the ninth before striking out the side. The game was seen by 6,927 at Nymeo Field, the first time the Keys have hosted an all-star game since 2005.
The Frederick Keys are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play their home games at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Following the 2018 season, the Keys were named the winner of the Carolina League's Complete Franchise Award. This goes to a team in the league which demonstrates franchise stability and significant contributions to its community and the league. In 2019, the team will host the Carolina League All-Star Classic presented by Visit Frederick. For more information about the Frederick Keys please contact Geoff Arnold by phone at (301)-815-9915 or by emailing at GArnold@FrederickKeys.com.
Images from this story
 Nick Banks of the Potomac Nationals with the MVP Award (Alexis Oser) |
 Nick Banks of the Potomac Nationals gets a Gatorade bath (Alexis Oser) |
Carolina League Stories from June 18, 2019
- CL North Claims Thrilling Win in All-Star Classic - Frederick Keys
- South Division Falls Short in All-Star Classic as North Launches Eight-Run Tirade - Fayetteville Woodpeckers
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