Hillcats Fall in First Meeting with Mudcats
Published on April 23, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Hill City Howlers News Release
Zebulon, NC - The Hillcats fell behind early and were never able to get the big hit they needed to overcome the Mudcats tonight in a 5-4 losing effort. Lynchburg stranded 13 base runners in the final six frames including the bases loaded twice. They scored three runs in that span but fell one shy in the end.
Carolina jumped ahead first with an opposite field shot off the bat of designated hitter Jeremie Tice. It was a two-run shot to right field, Tice's second of the season and the Mudcats led 2-0.
Hillcats' Catcher Ryan Query answered with a solo shot to lead off the top of the third inning. It was his first hit of the season, in his second start of the season. Query would finish the day 2-for-4 with a homer, double, walk, and a pair of RBIs.
The Mudcats added to their 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third. Three straight single opened up the frame to load the bases. Third baseman Gionvanny Urshela followed the string of hits with a sacrifice fly to left field. Three batters later, catcher Jake Lowery singled in two more Mudcats. It was 5-1 Carolina after three frames.
RHP Cody Martin had a tough time finding the strike zone after the first two innings. He walked a six from the third to the fifth and left the game after just four and one-third innings. He allowed five earned runs on seven hits and struck out seven as well. Surprisingly, not one of his six walks crossed home plate.
Lynchburg crept back in the game in the sixth inning. Third baseman Edward Salcedo singled with one out and advanced to second base on a wild pitch. First baseman Chris Garcia then drove in Salcedo with a single to left field. The Hillcats went on to load the bases as two of the next three batters walked, but with two outs center fielder Matt Lipka flew out to right field to end the threat. It was 5-2 Mudcats
The Hillcats rallied again in the seventh. A pair of singles and a walk scored on run. Then, another walk loaded the bases. Later, after a pitching change, RHP Dale Dickerson struck out left fielder Robby Hefflinger with the bases full and one out. With two outs, Query came up and drew a four-pitch walk to plate another run. Right fielder L.V. Ware then flew out to deep right field to end the inning. Lynchburg left the bases loaded again, and still trailed 5-4.
In the ninth, RHP Jose Flores came in for Carolina. Flores struck out the side while walking one and recorded his third save of the season. LHP Mike Rayl (2-2) earned the win for the Mudcats, finishing five innings, allowing just one run on four hits. Martin (2-2) suffered the loss for Lynchburg.
The HIllcats are now 9-6, still in first place in the Northern Division. The Mudcats improved to 8-8 with the win.
Tomorrow night the two teams meet again for game two of the four-game set. RHP Gus Schlosser (1-0, 4.74) will take the mound for Lynchburg against RHP Michael Goodnight (1-0, 6.14) for the Mudcats. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15pm. The Hillcats On-Deck Show powered by Honda/Suzuki of Lynchburg will go on the air at 6:50pm. Listen live to all the action on 105.5 FM KD Country and online at lynchburg-hillcats.com.
Carolina League Stories from April 23, 2012
- Mudcats Hold off Hillcats - Carolina Mudcats
- Hillcats Fall in First Meeting with Mudcats - Hill City Howlers
- Wilmington Rocks Daisuke, Downs Red Sox 7-2 - Salem RidgeYaks
- Buckel Nearly Unhittable in 7-1 Romp - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Dash Arms Stifle Potomac - Winston-Salem Dash
- Wilmington Rocks Matsuzaka in 7-2 Win - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Dash Silence Potomac Bats in 4-1 Win - Potomac Nationals
- Buckel, Pelicans Shut Down Keys - Frederick Keys
- Mudcats Announce Roster Changes - Carolina Mudcats
- Ronnie Welty Named Player of the Week - Frederick Keys
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers
- Mudcats Game Notes - April 23 - Carolina Mudcats
- Hillcats' Autism Awareness Night to Piece Together Support - Hill City Howlers
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.
