CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Rocks blank Hillcats, 2-0

July 2, 2004 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


WILMINGTON, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks defeated the Carolina League's leading pitcher with a shutout showing of their own in a 2-0 win over the Lynchburg Hillcats. With the victory, the Rocks secured a series win in this best-of-three at Frawley Stadium and worked their third straight triumph overall.

The Rocks threatened against southpaw Zach Duke (9-4) in the second, loading the bases with just one out. But Duke induced an Adam Keim groundball double play to end the frame.

Wilmington's Devon Lowery (4-6) matched Duke through six, allowing just one runner beyond first base. Lowery, who retired 11 of the last 12 he faced, went seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out four.

In the seventh, Duke issued a leadoff walk to Damaso Espino who moved to second on a sac bunt by Mike Aviles. Shane Costa then sent an RBI single into centerfield for an early 1-0 lead. Costa stole second and scored on an errant throw by Lynchburg catcher Jose Hernandez that deflected off Costa into left-center as the Visalia, Calif. native slid into second base.

Leading 2-0, the Rocks sent Nate Hoelscher out for the eighth and ninth innings. The lefty worked his first save of the season, allowing just one base runner over two shutout frames while striking out four batters.

Tomorrow, the Rocks and Hillcats finish out their three-game series as Wilmington southpaw Dusty Hughes (1-3, 2.60) opposes Lynchburg lefty Nic Gravelle (3-5, 4.62). Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. and a fireworks show will take place after the game compliments of MBNA America. The day will also feature the X-treme Strongman Competition - Atlas Stones Challenge. For more information on the competition, call 302-888-2015.

GAME NOTES: The win for Devon Lowery was his second since April 29...Shane Costa went 2-for-3 with an RBI, run scored and a stolen base...Costa has 10 hits in his last 18 at-bats...Mel Stocker went 0-for-4, he is now hitless in 23 at-bats...The lone runner to pass first base against Lowery took second on an error by first baseman Adam Keim as Lowery attempted a pickoff at first base...Lowery has started three combined shutout wins this season...The Rocks have won three straight games for the first time since June 12-13 (all three were at Frederick including a doubleheader sweep)...The last time Wilmington won three straight nine-inning games, May 9-11, ironically the last two of those three came against these same Hillcats also at Frawley...The Rocks will look for their first series sweep win of the season tomorrow, the Rocks have failed to sweep an opponent in 2004 while they have been swept by an opponent five times.

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Carolina League Stories from July 2, 2004


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