CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Rocks Continue Hot Streak with Seventh Straight Win

Published on May 1, 2003 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Winston-Salem, NC--- The Blue Rocks (16-9) won their season-high seventh straight with a 7-2 victory over the Winston-Salem Warthogs (14-9) in front of 1,275 at Ernie Shore Field on Thursday night. The win and Lynchburg's loss against the Kinston Indians pulled Wilmington into a first-place tie with the Hillcats.

The victory on Thursday night was the 12th in the last 13 games for the Blue Rocks, who are seven games above .500 for the first time this season.

Chris Tierney (2-2) allowed two runs on six hits over five innings to register the victory. Tierney walked one and fanned a season-high four.

The Warthogs, who entered the game with a three-game winning streak, dented the scoreboard first on a RBI-groundout by Mike Morse in the second inning.

Wilmington struck in the fourth inning with four runs against losing pitcher Ryan Wing (3-1), who lost for the first time this season. Wing, who entered the game with a 0.38 earned run average, gave up three-run home run to Justin Cowan, giving Wilmington a 4-1 advantage.

The Warthogs pulled to within two runs on a run-scoring single by Eric Welsh in the fourth frame.

Tierney handed the ball over to Zach McClellan in the sixth inning. McClellan allowed one hit over three scoreless innings.

Wilmington added three insurance runs in the ninth inning against reliever Brandon O'Neal. Ruben Gotay capped off the scoring with a two-out, two-run single, giving Wilmington a 7-2 lead.

Mike Natale entered in the ninth and retired the side 1-2-3 to close out the game.

The Rocks and Warthogs continue their four-game series on Friday night at 7:15 p.m. Brian Bass (1-0, 5.29 ERA) goes to the hill for his second straight start against Winston-Salem. The Warthogs, who have lost four in a row against Wilmington, counter with Franklin Francisco (1-1, 3.38).

Game Notes:

Chris Fallon went 0-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Fallon has reached safely in 20 straight games with a hit or walk.

Andres Blanco went 0-for-3 with a run scored, ending his six-game hitting streak. The Blue Rocks have outscored the opposition, 95-31 over their last 13 games. The Blue Rocks are 12-1 over that stretch.

Justin Cowan went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a three-run home run in the win. Cowan has 10 hits on the season (4 doubles, a triple and a home run).

The Rocks are now 7-6 away from home this season.

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Carolina League Stories from May 1, 2003


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