CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Seven Extra-Base Hits Lead to Nine Wilmington Runs

Published on April 18, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - Before the season, one of the more popular topics for fodder amongst Blue Rocks' players and coaches were the spacious confines of Frawley Stadium. Long known as the most pitcher-friendly park in the Carolina League, some of the new faces seemed concerned that the deep fences of Judy Johnson Field would put a damper on their power numbers. But if Saturday night was any indication, not even the large dimensions in Wilmington can contain this Blue Crew unit.

The Rocks racked up 12 hits, seven of which went for extra bases, to rout the Lynchburg Hillcats 9-3. The win moves Wilmington to within a game of first place in the Carolina League's Northern Division.

The night was highlighted by the first home run at the Advanced-A level by Kansas City Royals top prospect and Blue Rocks third baseman, Mike Moustakas. Moustakas, who took an 0-for-5 collar during last night's 4-3 loss, hit a no-doubt-about-it solo bomb to right field with one-out in the third inning. It put Wilmington ahead by a run, an advantage the Rocks would never relinquish.

The night did not begin as smoothly for the Blue Crew. Pitcher Everett Teaford allowed three hits in the first inning. The Hillcats managed just one run in the frame, but probably would have had more if not for catcher Ryan Eigsti. The Wilmington backstop threw out two base runners. Ray Chang on a snap-throw to first, and Matt Hague on an attempted steal of second.

And that was just the tip of the sword for Eigsti on Saturday.

In four plate appearances, the right-hander reached base four times, with three hits and a walk. Twice he smacked doubles to the gap, the first driving in a run in the second inning. He would score one batter later on Adrian Ortiz's triple. Eigsti would score again after his one-out double in the eighth, this time courtesy of a Derrick Robinson single.

The Rocks put the game away with a three-run fifth. Robinson opened the frame with a single and then stole second base. After Johnny Giavotella worked a walk, Moustakas' two-bagger scored a pair. Two batters later David Lough roped a double to left field, plating Moustakas.

Wilmington did much of its damage against two Hillcat pitchers. Starter Paul Mildren, who spent part of 2008 pitching for the Rocks, surrendered three runs in just three innings. The Australian left-hander, who went 0-7 in eight starts with Wilmington a year ago, dropped his second decision in as many starts in 2009.

Reliever Harrison Bishop also surrendered three runs in his two frames of work. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed three hits and walked one.

On the other end, Teaford settled down after the opening two frames, and earned his first win of the season. The southpaw went five frames, allowing just two runs (only one of which was earned) and striking out five.

The Rocks and Hillcats meet for the rubber match of this three-game set on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. Alex Caldera (0-1, 2.00) will face Matt McSwain (0-0, 4.15).

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Carolina League Stories from April 18, 2009


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