SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Four-run sixth spurs Grasshoppers past Suns

Published on May 8, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


HAGERSTOWN, MD -- The Greensboro Grasshoppers (16-12) scored the first six runs of the game, including four in the top of the sixth inning to break things open, and the Hagerstown Suns (11-13) could not climb back in a 6-3 loss on Friday night.

After a solid start by right-hander Brad Peacock (0-2), the Suns trailed just 2-0 at the end of the fifth inning. Greensboro pounced on Hagerstown reliever Randy Matias in the sixth, however, tagging him for four runs -- just one of them earned -- in two thirds of an inning of work. Joel Staples delivered the big hit of the inning for the Grasshoppers, driving in runners from second and third with a single to right center. Austin Garrett replaced Matias on the mound and gave up a wild pitch and a single that put Greensboro up 6-0.

The Suns grabbed back three of those runs in the bottom of the inning, plating their only baserunners of the game. Catcher Derek Norris stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and no outs, and came through with his team-leading 18th and 19th runs batted in of the season, doubling into left to pull Hagerstown to within four. But following a sacrifice fly by left fielder Aaron Seuss that plated shortstop Nick Arata and made the score 6-3, the Suns' rally fizzled, and the Grasshoppers escaped the inning with a comfortable lead intact.

Greensboro closer Pete Andrelczyk shut down the Suns in the ninth for the second time of the series, picking up his fourth save of the season and securing the victory for starter Brad Hand (2-2).

Jose Lozada was the offensive star of the game for Hagerstown, picking up three hits in just his second start of the season at second base. After a slow start to the season, Lozada has raised his batting average to .277, with the bulk of his hits coming since manager Matt LeCroy inserted him into the leadoff spot of the Hagerstown batting order during the Suns' road series against West Virginia.

Hagerstown first baseman Robbie Jacobsen once again extended his South Atlantic League season-high hitting streak in his final at bat of the ballgame, bunting for a single in the eighth inning to push the streak to 17 games.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Ticket packages and sponsorships are available by calling the Suns at 301-791-6266. Visit the Suns on the web at www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 8, 2009


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