SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Grasshoppers Edge Suns in Series Opener, 5-4

Published on May 21, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


Greensboro, NC- The Hagerstown Suns (27-14) were edged by the Greensboro Grasshoppers (24-17) on Friday night at NewBridge Bank Park in the series opening game of a four game set by a score of 5-4. After tossing 11.0 consecutive scoreless innings in his first two Minor League starts, Suns LHP Robbie Ray, who did not factor into the decision, went 6.0 innings and allowed two runs, one earned, on seven hits, without walking a batter, garnering four strikeouts.

Greensboro RHP Jheyson Manzueta, pitched to a quality start after going 6.0 innings and surrendering two earned runs on four base knocks, while walking three and fanning four.

The Suns broke a scoreless tie with a solo home run off the stick of CF Michael Taylor, his fourth of the season, in the 5th inning. Taylor hit a towering long ball over 400 feet to the right of the batter's eye in center field.

The Grasshoppers answered with an RBI groundout to shortstop in the bottom of the 5th frame by 1B Aaron Dudley to score C Wilfredo Gimenez, who doubled up the right field line.

Hagerstown took the lead in the sixth stanza on RF Bryce Harper's tenth four bagger of the season, an opposite field solo shot that was rocketed over the left center field barrier.

Then, the 'hoppers responded again with a double down the right field chalk off the bat of RF Marcell Ozuna which plated CF Isaac Galloway, who yanked a single through the left side of the infield.

After stretch time, Greensboro erupted for three runs on one swing to take a 5-2 lead. With the bases loaded, 3B Ryan Fisher launched a line drive, bases clearing three-RBI double over the head of Taylor in center field.

The Suns struck back in the 8th frame with a Harper two-RBI two-base lazer beam down the left field line, his thirteenth double of the 2011 campaign. 3B Blake Kelso walked to get aboard and 2B Adrian Sanchez doubled up the left field chalk. Both would come around to score on Harper's extra base shot.

Grasshoppers RHP Adam Veres (2-1), who entered the game in the 7th, the winning pitcher, went 1.2 innings and allowed two earned runs on three base hits, while walking two and striking out three.

Suns RHP Wilson Eusebio (0-2), the losing pitcher of record, got knocked around with Fisher's three-RBI double in 1.0 inning of work.

Entering to the get the final out of the 8th frame and going 1.1 scoreless innings to get his first save of the season, Greensboro RHP Jordan Conley (1 SV) struck out two and allowed just a single to Kelso in the 9th inning to finish off the Suns.

The Suns and Grasshoppers will duel on Saturday night for a 7:00pm first pitch. Pregame coverage on MiLB.com will begin at 6:45pm with the Break Away 2 Sports Lounge Pre-game Show. The Suns will send LHP Bobby Hansen (5-1, 3.53) to the mound to face Grasshoppers RHP Zach Neal (3-2, 3.73).

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Season ticket packages, group outings, and corporate 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 Hagerstown Baseball, LLC.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 21, 2011


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