CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Rocks Take Pitchers' Duel From K-Tribe

April 14, 2010 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Kinston, NC - Less than 24 hours after the Wilmington Blue Rocks' pitching staff held the Kinston Indians to just a single run on two hits, the Blue Crew blanked the K-Tribe on Wednesday afternoon, taking a 1-0 decision.

Wilmington starter Tim Melville (1-0) grabbed the win. The 20-year-old right-hander, who really struggled in his first, start, tossed five scoreless frames, allowing just a single hit, striking out eight, and walking only one.

Riquy Pena and Buddy Baumann combined out of the bullpen to hold Kinston off the scoreboard over the final four frames. Pena was aided by a brilliant diving catch by outfielder Jamie Romak to end a threat in the seventh. With two men on and two outs, Romak robbed Roman Pena, when he snared his sinking line drive in left-center field. Baumann registered his first save of the year.

Wilmington's lone run came early. Patrick Norris dropped a perfectly-placed bunt up the first-base line with one out in the third. Norris ended up on second when Pena, who fielded the ball on a charge and had no shot of getting the speedy Rocks' leadoff man, threw wildly to first. Norris then came around to score when Adrian Ortiz followed with a sharply struck RBI single to left.

Following the win, Wilmington gets its first day off of the season, before the Rocks return to the Riverfront for their home opener on Friday at 7:05 p.m. against the Potomac Nationals. The night will feature a magnetic schedule giveaway and postgame fireworks, courtesy of DE National Bank and US Foodservice. Highly regarded pitching prospect Chris Dwyer will take the mound for the Rocks, while the P-Nats are scheduled to counter with right-hander Patrick Lehman.

The Friday night game kicks off a seven-game homestand for the Blue Rocks. For tickets call 302-888-BLUE, or visit bluerocks.com.

PEBBLES OF KNOWLEDGE:

The win gave Wilmington its first series victory of the season, and its first winning streak of 2010.

Mellville's eight strikeouts tied his career high, a feat he had accomplished previously three times.

The Rocks registered their first shutout of 2010. In 2009, Wilmington led the Carolina League by blanking its opponent 16 times.

Eric Hosmer went 1-for-4 at the plate. The Royals' 2008 first round draft choice (No. 3 overall) extended his season-opening hit streak to seven games.

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Carolina League Stories from April 14, 2010


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