Claws Drop Series Opener 5-2 at Rome

May 1, 2018 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release

ROME, GA - Izzy Wilson keyed two Rome rallies and they used a three-run seventh to top the BlueClaws 5-2 on Tuesday night at State Mutual Stadium.

Jeffrey Ramos broke the 2-2 tie in the seventh inning, scoring Wilson, with a SAC fly that put the Braves up 3-2. Then with two outs, Kurt Hoekstra's two-run triple, just by the outstretch Kevin Markham in centerfield put the Braves up 5-2.

The BlueClaws (14-10), winners of their last three series, dropped the first game of this three-game series with the Braves (15-9).

Jonathan Hennigan (0-1) was charged with two of the seventh inning runs to take the loss while Jacob Belinda (1-0) earned the win. Kelvin Rodriguez threw a scoreless ninth for his second save.

Rome got two runs off Ramon Rosso in the third inning. Wilson, who doubled to start the inning, and Jose Bermudez executed a double steal with Wilson swiping home for the game's first run. Then, with two outs, Jeffrey Ramos singled home Bermudez to put the Braves up 2-0.

Rosso would come out after five, allowing two runs, one earned. He has not allowed more than one earned run in any of his first starts so far this year.

Trailing 2-0, the BlueClaws put two on with two outs against starter Bruce Zimmerman. Rome summoned Jacob Belinda out of the pen and after a walk, got Dalton Guthrie to ground to third to seemingly end the inning. However, the ball went right through the legs of third baseman Jean Carlos Encarnacion to allow the tying runs to score.

Braves starter Bruce Zimmerman gave up two unearned runs in 6.2 innings while striking out 11, tied for the most by a BlueClaws opposing pitcher this year.

Jake Scheiner had two of the five BlueClaws hits in the loss. Hoekstra, Wilson, and Bermudez had two hits apiece for the Braves.

The teams continue their series on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm. Will Stewart (2-0) starts for the BlueClaws opposite RHP Odalvi Javier (0-0).

South Atlantic League Stories from May 1, 2018

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• Miller Flirts with Gem But Suns Rally Late - Greensboro Grasshoppers
• Hoekstra's Triple Lifts Rome Over Lakewood, 5-2 - Rome Emperors
• Claws Drop Series Opener 5-2 at Rome - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
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