Mudcats Sweep Rocks in Twinbill & Series
Published on June 23, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release
Zebulon, NC - With a retooled lineup, the Wilmington Blue Rocks (29-44, 0-3) displayed a revitalized offense. Alas, the host Carolina Mudcats (35-38, 3-0) proved equal to the task as the Blue Crew blew significant advantages in both ends of a doubleheader sweep at Five County Stadium, 9-8 and 6-5.
Lane Adams' first at-bat as a Blue Rock saw him launch a two-out, two-run homer during a five-run opening inning in game one. Starter Jason Adam, who entered the game receiving just 2.5 runs of support per start, gladly welcomed the crooked number. However, while his offense helped him out, his defense let him down. Two crucial errors, one by Orlando Calixte at shortstop and the other by Cheslor Cuthbert at third base, both came in a five-run fourth that tied the game. None of the runs were earned.
An inning later, Carlos Moncrief doubled in a go-ahead run to put the Rocks down, 6-5. The Blue Crew's new-look offense, though, would not go quietly. With the bases clear and two outs, the newest Blue Rock, Matt Fields, reached on a fielding error by third baseman Giovanny Urshela. Three straight hits followed, including run-scoring blows by Jose Bonilla and Kevin David as the Rocks claimed an 8-6 lead.
The running theme of the evening, a Mudcat comeback, would soon follow. Jake Lowery worked a bases-loaded walk from closer Nick Rogers (1-2) to tie the game. Anthony Gallas followed with a grounder to third that went between Cuthbert's legs for a two-run error and a walk-off Wilmington defeat.
In the nightcap, home runs by Cuthbert and Adams staked starter Tyler Sample (1-8) to a 3-0 lead. Then came the second inning. Five runs crossed on five hits, including a two-run homer by Ronny Rodriguez, and the Blue Rocks would not know another lead on the night. Brett Eibner forged a brief tie with his team-leading ninth home run in the third, but Urshela scored on a bases-loaded wild pitch by Sample to snap the 5-5 deadlock.
Carolina reliever J.D. Reichenbach (3-1) got the win while Grant Sides secured the save in his Advanced-A debut.
The Blue Rocks' seven-game road trip shifts four hours north to Pfitzner Stadium on Sunday. Wilmington right-hander Chase Boruff (1-3, 4.82) is scheduled to make his second career start, while Potomac figures to counter with Nathan Karns (1-2, 4.15) in the first of a four-game set. Broadcast coverage begins at 3:35 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.
Carolina League Stories from June 23, 2012
- Mudcats Sweep Blue Rocks - Carolina Mudcats
- Mudcats Sweep Rocks in Twinbill & Series - Wilmington Blue Rocks
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- Lynchburg Bashes Barnes, Completes Sweep over Salem - Salem RidgeYaks
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- Bundy Beats Henry in All-Star Battle - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers
- Blue Rocks Game Notes - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Potomac and Wilmington Changed to 4:05 Pm Tomorrow - Potomac Nationals
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