Costly 'Cats Error Lead to 5-1 Loss
Published on May 23, 2013 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Hill City Howlers News Release
Wilmington, DE- A pitchers duel early took a turn for the Hillcats in the fourth as they fell 5-1 to the Wilmington Blue Rocks today. An error in the fourth led to four unearned runs scoring against the 'Cats, which proved to be the difference in the game. Will Skinner returned to the lineup for the first time since May 12 and delivered the Hillcats lone RBI.
Hillcats starter Greg Ross retired his first 10 batters in order before things took a tale spin in the fourth inning. Daniel Mateo started the Wilmington rally breaking up the brief perfect game bid with a one-out single. Lane Adams then reached on third baseman Kyle Kubitza's throwing error to first. Mateo advanced to third base on the error, and scored on an RBI-single from Cheslor Cuthbert. Ross then walked Kenny Swab to load the bases, and Jack Lopez followed with a sacrifice fly to center field. All three runners advanced on the sacrifice fly, allowing Alex Hudak to single in a pair of runs a moment later. All four runs were unearned against Ross, but the Blue Rocks jumped out to a 4-0 lead.
Ross (1-1) made it through the troublesome fourth inning and completed a season-high six innings. He allowed four unearned runs on four hits, walked one and struck out a season-high seven in the losing effort.
Meanwhile, the Blue Rocks received a gem from John Lamb on the mound. Lamb had allowed 18 runs, 17 earned in his last three starts, including seven runs, six earned to the Hillcats on May 5. Today was a different story. He faced two batters over the minimum through seven scoreless innings. The Hillcats notched only three hits, a walk, and struck out eight times against the lefty.
Lynchburg eventually got on the board when Malcolm Culver entered in the eighth. Kubitza led off the inning with a double, reached third on a passed ball, and scored an RBI ground out from Will Skinner.
Lamb (3-4) earned the win for his efforts, and the Blue Rocks improved to 22-24. They still sit three games behind the first place Hillcats whoe fell to 24-20.
The Hillcats travel back to Lynchburg tonight to begin a week-long homestand tomorrow night against the Potomac Nationals. Friday night's first pitch is set for 6:05pm. It's a fireworks night presented by the US Army. It is also Military Appreciation Night, which means military personnel will get free admission to the game. Gates will open at 5pm, but if you can't make it to stadium Erik Wilson and Jake Levy will have the call on 97.9 FM The Planet and online at lynchburg-hillcats.com. The broadcast will begin at 5:40pm with the Hillcats On-Deck Show powered by Honda/Suzuki of Lynchburg.
Carolina League Stories from May 23, 2013
- Winston Takes Opener 7-4; Game Two Rained Out - Salem RidgeYaks
- Pelicans and Mudcats Postponed Thursday at Pelicans Ballpark - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Mudcats, Pelicans Rained Out - Carolina Mudcats
- Beck, Dash Take Game One; Game Two Postponed - Winston-Salem Dash
- Beck, Four-Run First Carry Dash Past Sox - Winston-Salem Dash
- Lamb Lights Out, Blue Rocks Claim Series - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Adair's Double Sparks Big Inning, Keys Win - Frederick Keys
- Salem Red Sox Game Notes - Salem RidgeYaks
- Potomac Falls to Frederick 7-4 in Game Two Finale - Potomac Nationals
- Costly 'Cats Error Lead to 5-1 Loss - Hill City Howlers
- Pelicans Media Notes vs. Carolina - 7:05 p.m. EST - Game 3 of 3 - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Winston-Salem Dash Game Notes (May 23 at Salem) - Winston-Salem Dash
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers
- Three-Run Seventh Forces Rubber Match - Wilmington Blue Rocks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
