Downes Downs Mudcats with Third Inning Grand Slam
May 20, 2016 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release
WILMINGTON, DE - Wilmington's Brandon Downes hit a grand slam in the third and the Mudcats were held to just two hits over the first eight innings of an 8-2 loss to the Blue Rocks at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium in Wilmington on Friday night.
Matt Withrow started for the Mudcats (16-24) and took the loss after allowing five runs (three earned) over four innings pitched. Withrow (1-4, 4.40) struck out three and had allowed just one hit over the first two innings before allowing the grand slam to Downes in the third. In all, Withrow struck out five, walked two, gave up three earned runs and five total over four innings pitched.
Downes was 4-for-5 with four RBI and two runs in the Wilmington (12-28) victory. His grand slam was preceded by two errors making two of the four unearned to Withrow. It was also the fifth home run allowed by Withrow this season; all five home runs have been allowed over his last four starts.
Josh Staumont started for the Blue Rocks and walked in two Mudcats runs in the fourth before leaving the game. He escaped the fourth with just two runs allowed after striking out Reed Harper with the bases loaded. Staumont walked six, struck out five and allowed just two runs on two hits over four innings.
Reliever Jake Newberry earned the win after holding the Mudcats without a hit over three scoreless innings. Newberry (1-0, 1.08) also struck out four while earning his first win of the season. Mark McCoy followed him out of the bullpen and tossed the final two innings while finishing the game. He gave up two hits in the ninth, but did not allow run over his two innings pitched.
The Mudcats trailed 4-2 after walking with the bases loaded twice in the top half of the fourth. Alfredo Escalera singled in a run off Withrow with two outs in the fourth to put the Blue Rocks up 5-2. They then rallied for five hits and three runs against reliever Raymar Navarro and led 8-2 after five. Navarro walked one, struck out one and gave up three earned runs on five hits in the fifth.
Chase Johnson-Mullins followed Navarro and worked through two scoreless innings in his first game back after leaving with an injury his last time out on May 16. Johnson-Mullins faced only six over two innings and struck out two. Zack Bird pitched the eighth and worked around two hits while holding the Blue Rocks scoreless.
The Mudcats were 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base in the loss. The Blue Rocks also stranded eight, but were 5-for-14 with runners in scoring position in the game.
Carolina fell to 1-3 in the club's current seven game road trip with Friday's loss. The trip will continue on Saturday night with game two of four against the Blue Rocks. Saturday's game starts at 7:05 p.m. and RHP Max Povse (2-2, 2.98) will get the start for the Mudcats.
The Mudcats return to action at Five County Stadium on Tuesday, May 24 for game one of three against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and game one of a seven game home stand. The next home stand will feature Thirsty Thursday presented by Flowers Plantation on May 26, Friday Night Fireworks on May 27 and Souvenir T-Shirt Giveaway Night on Saturday, May 28.
The weekend series beginning on Friday, May 27 is against the Frederick Keys and will take place during Beach Weekend at Five County Stadium. The Mudcats will then conclude the next home stand on Memorial Day, May 30 with a POW/MIA chair unveiling and matinee start time.
Full, half and mini plan season tickets as well as group ticket packages and individual game tickets are currently available by contacting a front office representative at (919) 269-CATS (2287) or by visiting www.carolinamudcats.com.
The Carolina Mudcats are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. First established in 1991, the two-time Southern League Champion Carolina Mudcats are in their 26th consecutive season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C.
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