Sports stats



CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Right Fielder Drives in Four to Lead the Rocks to Fourth Straight Win

July 28, 2009 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - Thanks to a career-night from left fielder Paulo Orlando, the Wilmington Blue Rocks earned a 6-4 victory over the Lynchburg Hillcats at Frawley Stadium on Tuesday. The win was the Rocks' fourth in a row, their sixth in seven games, and it put Wilmington a season-best 10 games over .500 in the standings.

Orlando's big night at the plate began in the bottom of the second inning when he drove a liner over the left-field fence for a two-run homer. It was the second round-tripper of the season for Orlando, and it also scored Clint Robinson, who had opened the frame with a double. The longball gave Wilmington a 2-0 lead.

The advantage was short-lived however, as Lynchburg responded with a pair of tallies in the top of the third off of Wilmington starter Danny Duffy. A walk by Eddie Prasch and a single by Jose De Los Santos set up a two-run two-base hit off the bat of shortstop Jordy Mercer that evened the game at 2-2.

Things got worse for Duffy in the fourth when he allowed three straight hits to open the inning. Matt Hague and Kent Sakamoto both singled. Erik Huber then roped a double to left. Hague and Sakamoto each scored, while Huber was thrown out trying to reach third.

It would be the last batter the 20-year-old southpaw would face. Duffy felt tightness in his lower back and was immediately removed from the game for precautionary reasons.

Kelvin Villa came on and proceeded to pitch his way in and out of trouble over the next 3.2 innings. The reliever stranded five runners on base during his time on the mound. Three of those runners were left in scoring position.

But almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, so it was not enough for Lynchburg on Tuesday either.

The Blue Rocks went in front for good courtesy of a three-run rally in the home fourth. Mike Moustakas was hit in the foot with an 0-2 pitch and then went to second on Robinson's single. The duo both moved into scoring position on Eric Hosmer's groundout to the right side. They then came home on Orlando's two-run double down the left-field line. The 23-year-old Brazilian came around to plate the eventual game-winning run on an RBI single by Chase Fontaine.

Orlando finished his evening 2-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored.

Moustaks opened the eighth inning with a solo home run to right that gave Wilmington some much needed insurance. It was the third baseman's team-leading 12th dinger of the season.

Villa (3-6) did not allow a run despite surrendering four hits and a walk to earn the victory. He gave way to Danny Gutierrez who tossed a scoreless eighth, and Chris Chavez who put the tying run on in the ninth, before buckling down and picking up his third save of the year.

Lynchburg starter Ronald Uviedo surrendered five runs on seven hits over just five frames to earn the loss. Uviedo (5-4) was making only his second start since returning from the disabled list last week.

Wilmington will look to stay hot on Wednesday with a little mid-week- mid-day baseball against the Hillcats. The Rocks send opening day starter Alex Caldera (3-8, 5.76) to the mound, while Lynchburg counters with left-hander Jeff Locke (2-8, 5.71), as first pitch is slated for noon. Off the field, the Rocks will pay tribute to the popular kid's character Sponge Bob Square Pants during "Camp Day."

For tickets, call 302-888-BLUE (2583) or visit bluerocks.com.

Check out the Wilmington Blue Rocks Statistics



Carolina League Stories from July 28, 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