SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Hagerstown Slides by Lexington, 3-2, in Game Two

Published on August 15, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


Hagerstown, MD- The Hagerstown Suns (67-52, 27-22) staved off the Lexington Legends (51-68, 16-33) on Monday night at Municipal Stadium, sliding by with a 3-2 victory. The Suns are now (22-16) in one-run contests this season after besting the Legends for the 10th time in 16 contests within the 2011 season. Hagerstown RHP Matt Swynenberg (6-1), the winning pitcher, was stellar in a piggy-back appearance, in which he allowed just one earned run on a home run, while surrendering just three hits, amidst three walks and a trio of strikeouts. With the triumph, the Suns are now (49-1) when leading after the 8th inning this season.

Washington Nationals LHP Doug Slaten, a situational southpaw recovering from an elbow injury, tossed 0.2 of the 1st inning and gave up an earned run after allowing a single to SS Ben Orloff and an RBI double cranked high off the batter's eye in dead center field by 3B Mike Kvasnicka. After retiring DH Telvin Nash on a rocket into the glove of LF Michael Taylor, Swynenberg entered the game and gave up a hard line drive to 1B Tyler Burnett that was robbed on a super catch by CF Chris Curran, who sprawled towards the infield to take away extra bases and a run for the Legends.

Slaten became the fifth Nationals player rehabbing an injury with the Hagerstown Suns in 2011 joining the star-studded cast of 3B Ryan Zimmerman, RHP Chien-Ming Wang, and RHP Stephen Strasburg.

Swynenberg's only blemish was giving up a solo four-bagger to Burnett yanked over both tiers of signage in right field. Burnett's sixth longball of the season came with two outs in the 4th frame.

Legends RHP Tanner Bushue (6-5), the losing pitcher of record, cruised through the first five innings, allowing just four hits and one walk, before he gave up three earned runs in the 6th stanza. With one out, 2B Adrian Sanchez lashed a double to the left field corner. DH David Freitas swatted an RBI single that bounced up the middle to plate the tying run. Then RF Kevin Keyes, after a 4-for-4 performance in the series opener, blasted his 11th home run of the season, an opposite field two-run shot that was teed over the wall in right center field.

Bushue went 6.0 innings and allowed three earned runs on seven hits and one walk, while walking four batters.

Lexington relievers, RHP Jorge De Leon and RHP Brian Streilein combined for 2.0 scoreless frames with no hits or walks surrendered to keep the Legends in contention.

In the 9th inning, Swynenberg retired the leadoff man, Orloff, on a groundout to Sanchez at second base, but swiftly put the tying run on base with a four-pitch walk to Kvasnicka. Hagerstown RHP Ben Graham (7 SV), came out of the bullpen to tighten the screws, and despite adversity, garnered his seventh save of the 2011 campaign. Graham struck out Nash swinging on a high heater for the second out. Then, Burnet, sent a high bouncer over the head of 1B Brett Newsome to put runners on the corners. Graham had two strikes on RF Emilio King but hit him with a high, inside fastball to load the bases. In dramatic fashion, LF Bryce Lane skied a towering flyball to the deepest part of the yard in left center field. Taylor, sprinting towards the barrier, reached up against the wall and made the one-armed catch to end the game and seal the deal on the Hagerstown Suns' fifth consecutive victory.

Game Three at Municipal Stadium on Tuesday night will feature a 7:05pm first pitch. Wall-to-wall radio broadcast coverage will begin with a 6:50pm Break Away 2 Sports Lounge Pre-game Show on WJEJ AM 1240. The pitching matchup will summon Suns LHP Robbie Ray (2-2, 2.29) to the mound against Legends RHP Mike Foltynewicz (5-9, 4.19).

Tomorrow night at Municipal Stadium is Nick Adenhart Night in which the late Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher will be honored in front of the Hagerstown Suns faithful. A portion of all ticket sales and all proceeds from a silent auction will benefit the Nick Adenhart Memorial Fund. Auction items may be viewed at www.hagerstownsuns.com .

Adenhart, a Williamsport, Maryland native was killed in a tragic motor vehicle accident on the same evening in which he made his 2009 season debut. Adenhart had a stellar outing that featured 6.0 innings, allowing just seven hits and no runs, while striking out five batters against the Oakland Athletics.

A plaque bearing Nick's name will hang next to the retired numbers on the outfield wall for all who visit Municipal Stadium to see in order to ensure Adenhart's memory and influence on our community is never forgotten.

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 August 15, 2011


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