CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Kinston outlasts Potomac in opener

Published on May 8, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


KINSTON, N.C. - In his second start as a Potomac National, Terrence Engles was much improved, but it was not enough Thursday night as Kinston capitalized on early opportunities to defeat Potomac 6-4 at Grainger Stadium.

After lasting just two innings in his first start, Engles pitched into the fifth inning but consistently found himself in trouble. The Staten Island, N.Y., native quickly learned that free passes can be hurtful. Engles walked Nick Weglarz to lead off the second inning, and then walked Cirilo Cumberbatch with two outs. Alex Castillo then made Engles pay with a two-run double giving Kinston an early 2-0 lead.

Meanwhile, the Nationals offense did not offer support by scoring any runs. The P-Nats put runners on base in five of the first six innings and could not score against Indians starter Steven Wright.

Engles (0-2), again ran into trouble in the fifth inning as he lost command of the strike zone. The right-hander hit Jerad Head, and then with two outs, allowed the next four Indians to reach base via two hits and two walks, which led to two runs. Engles' night came to an abrupt halt after walking in a run with the bases loaded extending Kinston's lead to 4-0.

Potomac, though, battled back in the seventh inning. Wright departed in line for the win and parted for Michael Pontius who was not sharp making his 2008 Kinston debut. The P-Nats rallied for three runs with two outs against the hard-throwing right-hander. Edgardo Baez and Seth Bynum walked and Matt Rogelstad finally got the Nationals on the board with a two-RBI double down the right field line. Frank Diaz then singled knocking in Rogelstad to cut Kinston's lead to 4-3. Potomac had an opportunity for more damage but Marvin Lowrance grounded out with the bases loaded.

The Indians responded with a vengeance in their half of the seventh. The K-Tribe pounded two singles, a double, and a triple leading to two runs and a 6-3 lead. The runs sealed the win for Wright (1-2) who earned his first victory of the season.

Luis Perdomo pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his seventh save of the season. Perdomo has not allowed an earned run in 18 innings this year.

The Nationals will try to end their two-game losing streak tomorrow night at Grainger Stadium. Ross Detwiler (1-2, 5.18) will be called upon to be the stopper as he will face Hector Rondon (0-2, 4.85). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

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