CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Rocks Shutout in Game One, Nightcap Postponed

Published on May 5, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - After having consecutive games postponed due to rain on Sunday and Monday, the Wilmington Blue Rocks finally got back to action on Tuesday night. The Blue Crew was blanked 4-0 by the Potomac Nationals in a seven-inning contest. Game two of the scheduled doubleheader was rained-out though, meaning the Rocks will have another twin-billing on Wednesday, with the opener beginning at 5:05 p.m.

In what was supposed to be game one, the Nats got a dazzling pitching performance by starter Colton Willems (1-0). The 2006 opening round pick was making his first start in 2009, but showed no signs of rust. He held Wilmington without a run in five frames of work. The Rocks managed just two hits off the right-hander, and Willems faced only one man over the minimum.

On the other side of the ball Wilmington was its own worst enemy. Starting pitcher Ray Liotta (1-2) had his longest outing of the season, lasting 4.1 innings. But the left-hander consistently fell behind hitters, and allowed leadoff men to reach base in three of five attempts.

He was also failed by a shaky defense, which committed two errors, and misplayed several other balls. Mike Moustakas was responsible for both fielding miscues, and cost Liotta a pair of unearned runs.

His throwing error with two outs in the second inning allowed Potomac's first run to score. Jesus Valdez opened the frame with a single to left. He then stole second and after a Tim Pahuta strikeout, advanced to third on Sean Rooney's ground out.

That brought center fielder Boomer Whiting to the plate. Whiting hit a routine ground ball right to Moustakas, who fielded the ball cleanly. But the Royals' top-prospect's throw was too low for first baseman Clint Robinson to handle cleanly, and Valdez scored.

In the second, Potomac had its first two men reach base. Francisco Plasencia walked, and Danny Espinosa followed with an RBI double to left. After a Chris Marrero ground ball moved Espinosa to third with one out, the Rocks brought the infield in. Michael Burgess hit a grounder right to second baseman Johnny Giavotella, but the ball bounced off his glove and bounded too far for him to have a play at home. He got the out at first, but another run scored, putting the P-Nats in front, 3-0.

Potomac got its final run partially thanks to Moustakas' other error. Plasencia opened the fifth frame with a double down the right-field line. He then attempted to steal third base, but appeared to be thrown out by catcher Ryan Eigsti. The only problem was Moustakas could not hold onto the ball through the tag. It was ruled a caught-stealing and error on the third baseman. Chris Marrero singled Plasencia home two pitches later, and Potomac had its 4-0 margin.

Liotta's final line included four runs (two earned) on seven hits, with two strikeouts and two walks. Eduardo Paulino replaced him and pitched a scoreless 2.2 innings of relief.

PEBBLES OF KNOWLEDGE:

Wednesday's doubleheader between the Potomac Nationals and the Wilmington Blue Rocks will begin at 5:05 p.m. The gates to Frawley Stadium will open at 4:30 p.m.

Game one on Tuesday, was the third time the Blue Rocks have been shutout in 2009. The previous two occasions also came in shortened games. Thanks to Monday's rainout, and the resulting scheduled doubleheader, Tuesday's game was a seven inning affair.

Game two of the doubleheader marked the fifth time Wilmington had a game postponed due to weather in 2009. The elements plagued the entire Carolina League on Tuesday though. Lynchburg's contest with Myrtle Beach was rained out. While both Frederick's doubleheader with Winston-Salem and Kinston's contest with Salem were delayed significantly at the start thanks to wet weather.

Eduardo Paulino entered the game with two men on base and one out in the fifth inning. Paulino worked his way out of the jam without allowing a run. It was the first time all season Paulino had stranded an inherited runner on base out of the bullpen. The right-hander had allowed the previous five to score.

Tuesday's game also saw the return of Rowdy Hardy to a Blue Rocks uniform. Hardy was the 2007 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year with Wilmington. He is sporting a new jersey number though. Hardy's previous number, six, was taken by new teammate Jeff Bianchi. The southpaw will instead sport lucky number 13.

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Carolina League Stories from May 5, 2009


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