CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Ortiz Keys Biggest Comeback Win Of The Year

Published on June 28, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Frederick, MD - Playing their first game without the promoted David Lough, the Blue Rocks needed someone to step up and fill the void. Adrian Ortiz did just that, authoring a 3-for-4 performance with two doubles and a game-winning three-run triple in a 7-6 come-from-behind win. The Blue Crew rallied from down 6-0 to score four in the eighth and three in the ninth as Ortiz drove in a career-best five. Reliever Jason Godin (1-0) earned his first win, giving up one unearned run over 3.1 innings. He struck out six, all in succession and swinging. Brandon Sisk fired a perfect ninth for his seventh save. It marks the Rocks' largest deficit overcome for a victory this season and the first time they have won when trailing after eight innings all year.

Down 6-0 in the eighth, six straight one-out hits against reliever Jake Stevens combined to make it a two-run game. Jamar Walton, Josh Johnson and Ryan Eigsti bunched together singles to load the bases and Ortiz doubled in a pair with a liner to right-center. Derrick Robinson singled in a third tally and Frederick manager Richie Hebner made a move to Eddie Gamboa who promptly surrendered an RBI double to Johnny Giavotella to cap off the scoring.

In the ninth, All-Star closer Luis Lebron (2-3) suffered his first blown save at home in seven tries. Paulo Orlando singled up the middle against the hard-throwing righty. One out later, Johnson singled to right and Orlando took third. Johnson quickly stole second and Ryan Eigsti walked to load the bases. Up came Ortiz, who bombed a bases-clearing triple to right-center for the 7-6 score that went final.

Sisk opposed the top of the order in the ninth and bookended a couple of strikeouts swinging around a line-drive out to third. He has not allowed a single run on his line in ninth-inning play this season. Sisk and Godin combined to retire each of the last 12 Frederick batters including eight strikeouts.

Wilmington's comeback spoiled the impressive Advanced-A debut of Frederick's Rick Zagone. He allowed just three hits over six scoreless innings. The southpaw faced one over the minimum, struck out five and walked just a single batter. The rally also lifted Eduardo Paulino off the hook. He allowed five runs on eight hits in 4.2 innings.

The series continues on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. In a lefty-lefty match-up, Wilmington veteran Rowdy Hardy (2-0, 2.25) will face rising prospect Zach Britton (4-2, 1.94).

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Clint Robinson was scratched from the lineup late due to a groin strain. Anthony Seratelli was inserted in a straight switch at both first base and in the clean-up spot. The utility man went 1-for-4 and extended his hitting streak to six games.

The Blue Crew had been 0-18 when trailing after eight innings this season until Sunday's dramatic comeback. Last year's team tied for the league lead in such triumphs (5).

Adrian Ortiz had never knocked in more than three runs in a game prior to his Sunday evening heroics. His three-hit performance lifted his batting average by 10 points (.235-.245).

Frederick fell to 9-20 in divisional play this season, the worst such mark in the league.

While Wilmington beat Frederick, Potomac lost late at Winston-Salem and Lynchburg doubled up Salem. As a result, each of the four teams in the Northern Division stand tied at 2-2. Salem (3-1) became the final team to suffer its first loss on the second half, but still owns the best early record in the loop.

Johnny Giavotella went 2-for-4 with an RBI double, a walk and a stolen base. The second baseman has hit safely in six straight games, connecting at a .381 (8-for-21) clip over that span, lifting his season-long number by 15 points (.213-.228). His 43 walks on the season place him second in the league.

Josh Johnson went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two runs scored. He is hitting .333 (6-for-18) in six games since joining Wilmington this season from Double-A. His .381 on-base percentage leads the team.

Wilmington went 6-for-10 as a team with runners in scoring position.

Mike Moustakas went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in the loss, lowering his batting average to .260. It marks his lowest contact clip since April 19. The top prospect in the Kansas City minor league system has gone 2-for-22 (.091) since a home run at Potomac on June 17.

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Carolina League Stories from June 28, 2009


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