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CarL1 Potomac Nationals

P-Nats Comeback Stifled in Loss to Lynchburg

September 2, 2009 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


WOODBRIDGE, Va- With an eye on the scoreboard to keep updated on the score of the Wilmington-Myrtle Beach contest, the P-Nats took the field for game two of their three-game set with Lynchburg. In the end, the P-Nats' comeback effort fell just short as the Hillcats held on for a 4-3 victory.

The Hillcats jumped out to an early advantage against Potomac starter Will Atwood, knocking in two on a Jordy Mercer round-tripper over the left-field fence. Atwood (8-8) lasted just four innings in this contest, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out four without walking a batter.

Mercer struck again in the third for another run batted in when he lined a single to right-center to score Chase d'Arnaud from second base. The Cats would tack on another on a single from Jose De Los Santos in the fourth to make the game 4-0 and put Lynchburg in the driver's seat.

The P-Nats struck back in the bottom of the fifth with two to get themselves on the board. Michael Martinez lined a run-scoring double down the left-field line to plate the first Potomac run, and Jesus Valdez hit a run-scoring groundball to second base to cut the lead in half.

Justin Phillabaum came on in relief of Atwood and tossed four nearly flawless frames, allowing just one hit in his time on the hill while striking out two.

He kept the Cats off the board enough to allow Potomac to get back in the ballgame by plating another run in the eighth inning on the strength of a Tim Pahuta run-scoring groundout.

The P-Nats, however, put two runners on with two down, but Tom Boleska was able to retire Martinez to end the threat. When the P-Nats could not push the equalizer across in the ninth, the P-Nats dropped game two 4-3 and Wilmington's magic number was reduced to three.

The P-Nats were just 1-14 with runners in scoring position on the evening.

That number dropped to two with the Blue Rocks' 3-1 victory over Myrtle Beach, so the P-Nats are looking at a string of must-win affairs if they have their sights set on the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Thursday's finale with the Hillcats has the Nationals hosting College Night at the ballpark! So memorize your fight songs and come out to the Pfitz with your favorite collegiate team's gear to get half-price grandstand tickets! It will also be Thursday Cheers at the ballpark with select beverages for the tiny price of just $1! In addition to the money-saving deals on the final Thursday at the Pfitz, it's Ladies Night where all ladies get in for half-price and receive a carnation upon entering the gates courtesy of Flowers in Just Hours.

It will also be Virginia Lottery Second-Chance Thursday where fans can bring in their non-winning Virginia Lottery scratch cards for the opportunity to purchase buy-one-get-one-free tickets to that night's ballgame!

The Washington Nationals Racing Presidents will also be at the ballpark as George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt will be doing their thing between innings throughout the game!

For more information on tickets, daily promotions, and all things P-Nats, call (703) 590-2311 or log onto www.potomacnationals.com to join the party!

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Carolina League Stories from September 2, 2009


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