CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Potomac swept for first time this season

Published on August 24, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


WOODBRIDGE, Va. - Until tonight, the Potomac Nationals were the only team in the Carolina League not to have been swept. The Lynchburg Hillcats changed that Sunday night at Pfitzner Stadium with an 8-5 win over the Nats, sweeping away the first-half champs.

The contest started poorly for Nats' starter Ross Detwiler when he, like other pitchers on the staff, felt the effects of a hot Jared Keel bat. Keel blasted his third home run of the series in the top of the third, a three-run bomb on a 0-2 pitch from Detwiler.

After Potomac cut the Cats' lead to 3-1 in the fourth, Lynchburg answered with two more runs in the top of the fifth. Walks to Miles Durham and Keel came back to hurt Detwiler when the two eventually scored. Matt Cavagnaro's bases loaded groundout plated Keel, and a two-out RBI single from Chris Jones put the Nationals in a 5-1 hole. Detwiler was pulled after tossing 4 2/3 innings while allowing five runs on nine hits and settled for the no-decision.

Potomac, though, found no trouble erasing the four-run Lynchburg lead. Aaron Seuss and Jhonatan Solano began the fifth with singles. One batter later, Dan Lyons' line drive to right fell under the glove of the right fielder Durham scoring the runners, and allowing Lyons to sprint into third base with a triple. Then, with two outs, Dee Brown laced a double to score Lyons and bring the Nationals to within 5-4.

The P-Nats would complete the comeback the following frame with the bottom of the order again coming through. Solano knocked in Seuss with a one-out RBI single off of Brian Holliday (6-10) to tie the game 5-5.

Like they appeared the entire series facing one of the best teams in the league, Lynchburg was not phased. Clint Everts hit Keel with one out in the top of the seventh to start a rally. Cavagnaro then put the Cats back on top with a double to drive in Keel, and Jones followed with a single giving Lynchburg a 7-5 lead. Everts (3-2), who tossed 3 1/3 innings of relief was hit with the loss.

Jones is the batter the Nats are happy they will not see tomorrow after the catcher went 4-5 with four singles and three RBI. His final hit of the night in the ninth drove in another run and put the Hillcats comfortably in front 8-5.

Eric Krebs sent the lineup down in order in the bottom of the ninth for his second save of the season, and first sweep of Potomac.

The Nationals seven-game home stand continues tomorrow evening at Pfitzner Stadium when Potomac welcomes the Salem Avalanche for a four-game set. Hassan Pena (1-1, 4.99) is scheduled to start for Potomac opposite right-hander Corey Bass (4-13, 6.52). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Potomac Nationals Statistics

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



Carolina League Stories from August 24, 2008


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