CarL1 Carolina Mudcats

Four Run Comeback Falls Short as Mudcats Lose in Extras

June 4, 2016 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release


FREDERICK, MD - Reed Harper and Sal Giardina combined to drive in three runs during a four run ninth inning that forced extras on Saturday in Frederick, but Jay Gonzalez and the Keys came back with the game winner in the eleventh while escaping with a 5-4 series opening victory at Nymeo Field.

Carolina (21-32) trailed 4-0 heading into the final frame, but managed to rally for four runs and three hits in the ninth inning while tying the game. Frederick's second baseman Steve Wilkerson had two errors in the ninth and only one of the four Carolina runs ended up being earned to Frederick (27-28) relievers Tanner Scott and Michael Zouzalik.

Zouzalik (BS, 3) gave up Giardina's game tying single in the ninth and took the blown save after allowing one of his two inherited runners to score. Scott originally began the ninth by giving up an infield single to Stephen Gaylor and a bases loaded, two-run double to Harper. Harper was 2-for-4 with two RBI in the loss for the Mudcats.

The Mudcats managed to get two men on base in the tenth, but were held scoreless in both extra inning frames by reliever Cory Jones. Gaylor singled again in the tenth, but Jones (2-2, 3.52) left him on base and worked through two scoreless innings with only one hit allowed while earning the win.

Enderson Franco started for the Mudcats and allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings pitched. He did not earn a decision and left the game with the Keys leading 3-0 after six.

The Keys added an unearned run in the seventh against reliever Taylor Lewis, but were held scoreless over the next three innings by Sean McLaughlin. McLaughlin walked two and struck out two over the eighth, ninth and eleventh innings for the Mudcats.

Carlos Salazar (1-2, 1.29) gave up three hits and one earned run in the eleventh while suffering the loss. He had previously allowed only five hits all season before Saturday's appearance.

The eleventh started with a leadoff single by Jonah Heim and continued with back-to-back bunts from Josh Hart and Erick Salcedo. Hart's bunt went for a sacrifice and was errantly misplayed by Salazar. Salcedo's went for a bunt hit and loaded the bases with pinch runner Anthony Carolina representing the winning run at third base. Gonzalez then came through for the Keys with a first pitch, walk-off single to right center.

Gonzalez was 3-for-4 with two walks, two runs, two stolen bases and the game winning RBI for the Keys on Saturday night. He singled, stole a base and scored the game's first run in the first inning. He also singled, stole a base and scored on a RBI double from Cam Kneeland in the third.

The Keys led 1-0 after one, 2-0 after three and 3-0 after the fourth and had a three run advantage all while starter Matthew Grimes cruised his way through seven scoreless frames. Grimes lost a no-hitter in the fifth and retired the first 13 he faced in consecutive order to start the game. Grimes finished with eight strikeouts and three hits allowed over seven innings pitched.

The Mudcats left seven men on base in the loss and were 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position despite not getting a runner on base over the first four innings. Gaylor and Harper both had two hits in the loss and Jordan Edgerton had a double.

The series continues on Sunday afternoon with the first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Raymar Navarro (3-1, 3.91) will start for the Mudcats in Sunday's game. The Keys will start Mitch Horacek (2-5, 5.55)

The Mudcats next return to Five County Stadium on Thursday, June 9 for game one of a four game home stand against Winston-Salem. The home stand begins with Thirsty Thursday and will continue with Military Appreciation Weekend beginning on Friday, June 10. The Mudcats will wear specially designed Military Appreciation jerseys throughout the weekend, with those same jerseys made available for purchase through an online auction following the series. Saturday's game on June 11 will feature a Camouflage Hat Giveaway at Five County Stadium for the first 1,200 kids ages 15 and under.

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.

Check out the Carolina Mudcats Statistics



Carolina League Stories from June 4, 2016


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.

OurSports Central