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SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Homestand #10 Preview: July 31-August 6

July 31, 2019 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


HAGERSTOWN, MD - The Hagerstown Suns welcome the Rome Braves and Columbia Fireflies to Municipal Stadium for their first homestand in the month of August. The Suns will take on the Braves for three games July 31-August 2 and then face the Fireflies for four games August 3-6.

The Suns are 7-4 this season against the Braves, and just took two of three during a series in Rome last week. Hagerstown just faced the Fireflies for the first time this season, sweeping a four-game series in Columbia prior to this homestand.

Schedule

Wednesday, July 31: Suns vs. Rome Braves: 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, August 1: Suns vs. Rome Braves: 7:05 p.m.

Friday, August 2: Suns vs. Rome Braves: 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, August 3: Suns vs. Columbia Fireflies: 6:05 p.m.

Sunday, August 4: Suns vs. Columbia Fireflies: 2:05 p.m.

Monday, August 5: Suns vs. Columbia Fireflies: 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday, August 6: Suns vs. Columbia Fireflies: 10:35 a.m.

Scouting the Opponents

ABOUT THE BRAVES: The Braves had a rough first half, but have turned it around so far in the second half. Through 37 games, Rome is 19-18 and only two games back in the Southern Division. The pitching staff has helped turn it around for Rome. Its 3.37 team ERA is the third-best in the South Atlantic League. However, it's about soft contact for the Braves, who rank dead-last as a staff in strikeouts per nine (8.1). Three of their starters - RHP Jose Olague (3.66 ERA), LHP Gabriel Noguera (3.12 ERA) and RHP Odalvi Javier(3.56 ERA) - all hold ERAs under 4.00, and Javier and Olague both rank in the top-3 in the league in innings pitched. The Braves offense had its first-half struggles, and is still last in the league in home runs (43), but has also turned a corner lately. 2019 first-round pick Braden Shewmake has been red-hot since being activated June 20, hitting .322 with an .830 OPS in his first 35 professional games. Shewmake's fellow infielder Greg Cullen has been steady all year, and his .394 on-base percentage ranks third in the South Atlantic League.

ABOUT THE FIREFLIES: The Firelies have had a tough 2019. They finished the first half in last place in the Southern Division and that's where they sit again. On the pitching side, Columbia's 4.31 team ERA ranks third-to-last in the league and their 1.35 WHIP is second-worst. To make matters worst, the Fireflies lost one of their best starters Simeon Woods Richardson (11.1 K/9), who was dealt to the Blue Jays in the Marcus Stroman trade Sunday. Without him, Columbia will rely on right-hander Jose Butto (3.86 ERA) who has been solid all season. On the offensive side, the Fireflies rank second to last in the league in OPS (.647) and runs per game (3.7). Columbia's most consistent bat all season has been Ronny Mauricio who is slashing .283/.324/.383, while Mets No. 6-ranked prospect Mark Vientos has supplied the power with a team-high 10 home runs and 22 doubles on the year.

Promotions

BARK IN THE PARK: Bring your pet to the park with you for our Bark in the Park night. All pets get free admission to historic Municipal Stadium.

THIRSTY THURSDAY: Join the Suns for Thirsty Thursday, with beer specials starting at $2! We'll open the fridges and taps at 6:00 p.m. for the 7:05 p.m. contest between the Suns and Braves!

SHARK WEEKEND: Come out to Municipal Stadium all weekend for ocean and beach-themed fun and games at the ballpark!

JUAN SOTO BOBBLEHEAD: Juan Soto's meteoric rise to the majors started in Hagerstown last year. We'll be commemorating that by giving away a Soto bobblehead to the first 1,000 fans in the gates at historic Municipal Stadium

SUNDAY FUNDAY: Every Sunday Funday, there's plenty of family fun and games planned at historic Municipal Stadium. Face painting, autograph sessions and more will highlight the afternoon, while kids will also have special pre and post-game activities to participate in. Before the game, members of the Suns Kids Club can play catch on the field. All kids will have the opportunity to run the bases after the game.

SUMMER CAMP DAY: Campers, join Woolie and the Suns for a game of fun at historic Municipal Stadium!

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 31, 2019


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