CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Rocks Rally Late to Claim 3-2 Win over Lynchburg

Published on May 9, 2014 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - The Wilmington Blue Rocks mounted a furious late-inning rally in the bottom of the eighth inning Friday to seize a 3-2 victory over the Lynchburg Hillcats at Frawley Stadium. With the win, Wilmington improved to 15-17 on the season and pulled to within 3.5 games of first-place Potomac in the Carolina League Northern Division. The Rocks currently sit in second.

Patience at the plate and poor Lynchburg defense were both crucial parts of the Blue Crew's eighth-inning rally. Reliever Matt Chaffee hit Bubba Starling with a pitch to lead off the frame. Starling promptly stole second base and advanced to third when catcher Anthony Nunez uncorked a wild throw to second attempting to gun him down. He then scored on a wild pitch to tie the game, 2-2. Chaffee retired the next two batters before issuing free passes to Johermyn Chavez, Jack Lopez, Cam Gallagher and Cody Stubbs. The four consecutive free passes forced in the go-ahead run and gave the Blue Rocks a 3-2 lead, one they would not relinquish.

Christian Binford turned in another gem Friday night for the Rocks. He pitched seven outstanding frames, yielding just two runs on three hits. Binford also struck out eight and walked two. The six-foot-six righty has now completed seven innings in three of his six starts this season.

Binford held Lynchburg off the board for six frames, before running out of steam in the seventh. With the Rocks leading, 1-0, he gave up a single to designated-hitter Eric Garcia, an RBI triple to right-fielder Will Skinner and a sacrifice fly to second-baseman Levi Hyams. Binford exited with the Rocks trailing, 2-1.

Wilmington broke what had been a scoreless tie to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Hunter Dozier drew a one-out walk off of Lynchburg starter Greg Ross and stole second base to move himself into scoring position. Two batters later, Chavez plated him with an RBI single to left-center field.

Mark Peterson (1-0, 1.17) picked up the win for Wilmington after tossing two scoreless innings in relief of Binford. Chaffee (0-1, 3.75) suffered his first loss of the season for Lynchburg. Both Binford (2-1, 2.04) and Ross (2-1, 2.43) received a no-decision.

The Blue Rocks return to action Saturday at Frawley Stadium for game three against the Lynchburg Hillcats. Wilmington will send left-hander Daniel Stumpf (1-4, 4.37) to the mound while Jarrett Miller (0-3, 5.14) is scheduled to take the bump for the Hillcats. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. and fans can listen to the broadcast on 89.7 WGLS-FM. For ticket information, call 302-888-BLUE or visit BlueRocks.com.

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Carolina League Stories from May 9, 2014


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