CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Indians Sweep a Pair from Wilmington

August 23, 2002 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Kinston, NC--- The Kinston Indians swept a pair from the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Friday night in front of 3, 719 at Historic Grainger Stadium. The K-Tribe rallied from a run down and won, 4-3, in the opener and came back with a 6-1 win in the finale.

The Rocks have lost three in a row for the first time in early July and hold a two and a half game lead over the Lynchburg Hillcats with nine games remaining in the second half. The Hillcats defeated the Potomac Cannons, 6-2, on Friday night and lead the Cannons by a game for the wild card spot.

In game one, Wilmington scored three runs in the sixth inning to move ahead, 3-2, against starter Kyle Evans. However, Kinston came back with two in the bottom of the seventh inning against losing pitcher Jason Gooding (3-2) to notch the walk-off win. Joe Inglett drove in two runs with a two-out single to end the game. Nate Fernley (3-1) earned the win.

In the nightcap, Matt Wade and Scott Sturkie combined on a two-hitter and the K-Tribe picked up their fourth win in a row. The Indians scored four runs in the fourth inning against losing pitcher Mike Natale (2-2) to break the game open. The Rocks fell apart defensively in the fourth inning with three errors, including two by catcher Scott Walter.

Wilmington avoided the shutout with a run on two walks against Sturkie in the seventh inning. Wade (3-0) gave up two hits over five shutout innings in his first start of the season.

Natale gave up five runs (three earned) on six hits. He fanned seven and suffered his second straight loss.

The Rocks and K-Tribe continue their four-game series on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Wes Wilkerson (9-4) goes to the mound for the Blue Rocks. The Indians, who hold a game and a half lead over Myrtle Beach, counter with Derek Thompson (2-3).

Game Notes:

Justin Gemoll collected two hits in game one, but went 0-for-2 with a walk in the nightcap, ending his hitting streak at 18 straight games. He finished the streak tied with Alexis Gomez and Alejandro Machado for the second longest hitting streak in franchise history.

The Rocks are now 9-9 this season against the Indians and 2-6 at Historic Grainger Stadium.

Marco Cunningham had the only two hits for the Blue Rocks in the second game.

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Carolina League Stories from August 23, 2002


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