Karns Carves up Blue Crew
Published on June 24, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release
Woodbridge, VA - Nathan Karns (2-2) set career-high marks with eight innings pitched and 11 strikeouts, allowing just two hits in that time as the Potomac Nationals (34-40, 3-1) bested the Wilmington Blue Rocks (29-45, 0-4) in Sunday's series opener, 7-1. The hard-throwing right-hander retired 20 of the last 22 he faced.
In his second career start, Wilmington's Chase Boruff (1-4) saw two runs cross in the very first inning. Rehabbing big leaguer Mark DeRosa drove in the game's first score with a groundout while prospect catcher David Freitas doubled home the second. An inning later, Wilmington assembled a rally, loading the bases with one out for Roman Hernandez. While the designated hitter sent Lane Adams home with a groundout to make it a 2-1 game, Geulin Beltre then bounced to short to end the threat. The Blue Rocks were not in the game from that point on.
Karns overwhelmed Wilmington with a variety of a fastballs and curves, and his offense poured it on the board. Kevin Keyes bashed a two-run homer in the second and chased Boruff with a run-scoring single in the third. Potomac would score in five of the game's first six frames. The Blue Rocks, on the other hand, put just three men on base from the start of the third inning on, and none beyond second base. Karns, the reigning Carolina League Pitcher of the Week, tossed 100 pitches (70 strikes).
Wilmington used three pitchers on a bullpen day. Boruff gave up five runs in 2.1 innings. Edwin Carl gave up two more scores over 4.1 solid bridge innings and Sam Runion used one pitch to dispatch of a bases-loaded threat in the seventh before tossing a scoreless ninth.
The four-game series continues at 7:05 p.m. on Monday night. All-Star right-hander Yordano Ventura (3-5, 3.10) will get the nod for Wilmington against fellow righty Adam Olbrychowski (2-6, 5.47). Broadcast coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. as studio host Rob Cunningham brings fans the Rocks Report Pre-game Show, presented by Wawa, on 89.7 WGLS-FM and online at wgls.rowan.edu.
PEBBLES OF KNOWLEDGE:
The Blue Crew has lost seven in a row and 15 of 16. It has also dropped 10 straight on the road. The franchise record is 11, set by the 1999 team from July 1-18.
Wilmington is now a season-worst 15 games below .500. It has not been this many games below sea level since it ended the 2005 season at 60-80.
Sunday marked the first of 13 straight divisional games for Wilmington. The Rocks are 17-34 against Southern Division squads and 12-11 against their brothers in the North.
Through four games to start the second half, Blue Crew pitching has allowed an average of 7.3 runs per game. That includes a pair of seven-inning affairs.
Carolina League Stories from June 24, 2012
- Pelicans Open with a Bang in 5-1 Win - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- 'Cats Streak Snapped in 5-1 Loss - Hill City Howlers
- Karns Carves up Blue Crew - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Workman Dominates Dash; Sox Roll 7-Zip - Salem RidgeYaks
- Salem Stifles Dash in Shutout - Winston-Salem Dash
- Karns Ks 11 in Potomac Win - Potomac Nationals
- Wilson Dazzles in Shutout Win - Frederick Keys
- Wilson, Keys Trip Mudcats - Carolina Mudcats
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers
- INF Michael Johnson Joins Dash - Winston-Salem Dash
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