CarL1 Frederick Keys

Long Blanks Blue Rocks over Eight Innings

Published on May 10, 2016 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release


FREDERICK, Md. - Lucas Long was masterful over eight shutout innings as the Frederick Keys blanked the Wilmington Blue Rocks 3-0 on Tuesday night at Nymeo Field. It was the team's second shutout win of the season as well as the Keys fourth straight triumph over the Blue Rocks.

The longest outing by a Keys starting pitcher in 2016, Long (1-1) scattered four hits, walked one and struck out eight. Over his start the Minnesota native faced only three over the minimum while he racked up 13 groundball outs. It was the longest start of Long's career, while it marked the first time a Keys pitcher had thrown eight innings since Mitch Horacek accomplished the feat last July 10 against Salem.

On the Blue Rocks side, Josh Staumont also set a new career-best for innings pitched, working seven frames while allowing three runs on five hits. Although Staumont (0-3) was tagged for the loss, it was the first quality start of his professional career.

Frederick plated all three of their markers in the first four innings. Jay Gonzalez opened the home first with a double, moved to third on a groundout and scored on a wild pitch. One inning later, Jonah Heim got into the act with a solo homer to right to put the orange and black up 2-0. It was his third longball of the year and his first from the left side.

In the fourth, the Keys concluded their scoring against Staumont. Following a leadoff walk by Cam Kneeland, Aderlin Rodriguez doubled his teammate to third, before Heim singled Kneeland home. The Keys catcher ended 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Mike Zouzalik closed the door for the Keys, pitching a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save. He struck out two. Thanks to strong pitching, the Keys and Blue Rocks completed their game in one hour and 51 minutes, Frederick's shortest game of 2016.

The two sides continue their three game series on Wednesday night. Left-hander John Means (3-0, 2.32) gets the ball for the Keys and will be opposed by Blue Rocks southpaw Colin Rodgers (1-3, 3.51 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 from Nymeo Field and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source and frederickkeys.com. For tickets fans can call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

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Carolina League Stories from May 10, 2016


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