CarL1 Frederick Keys

Matusz Strikes Out Season-High 13 in Loss

Published on May 8, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release


The Frederick Keys struggles continued tonight, as they were on the wrong side of a pitchers' duel. Wilmington starter Dan Duffy dominated the Keys for 6.1 innings, leading the Blue Rocks to victory, 3-0.

LHP Brian Matusz got the start for Frederick. He found himself in a second-inning jam. RF David Lough led off the inning with a single. The next hitter, 1B Clint Robinson, hit a potential double play ground ball towards second. 2B Ryan Adams fielded it cleanly and threw it to second, but SS Rodolfo Cardona dropped the baseball. A batter later, C Ryan Eigsti walked, loading the bases. LF Adrian Ortiz and CF Derrick Robinson hit back-to-back singles, driving in two, and giving the Blue Rocks the early lead.

Matusz was lights out after that. Following Robinson's single, Matusz retired the next 15 batters he faced. He would leave the game after pitching 7.0 innings, and allowing the two runs (one earned) on six hits. He walked one and struck out a season-high 13 batters. That's the most any Keys pitcher has fanned in a single game this year.

Unfortunately, Matusz left in position to get the loss. Duffy was equally as dazzling. He tossed 6.1 shut out innings before giving way to the Wilmington bullpen.

The Blue Rocks tacked on an insurance run in the ninth. With two outs, and RHP Brian Parker in the game, Ortiz lifted a fly ball to deep right field. RF Billy Rowell dropped the ball, allowing Ortiz to get to second. Robinson then knocked him in on a single.

Duffy picked up the win. He's now 4-1. Matusz was credited with the tough-luck loss, dropping his record to 2-2. Aaron Hartsock pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his fifth save of the season.

The Keys and Blue Rocks will lock-up in game two of a three-game set tomorrow evening at Harry Grove Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00, with gates opening at 5:00. The first 1,000 fans in the ballpark will receive a Matt Wieters Bobblehead, courtesy of the Comfort Inn. Fireworks will follow the game. For ticket info, contact our box office at 1-877-8-GO-KEYS.

Check out the Frederick Keys Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Carolina League Stories from May 8, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central