CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Seven Run First Propels Carolina over Potomac 9-2

Published on May 11, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


(ZEBULON, NC) - In the first ever meeting between the franchises, the Carolina Mudcats defeated the Potomac Nationals 9-2 powered by a seven run first inning. The Mudcats belted five doubles, a homer and took a walk before the P-Nats could record an out.

Carolina welcomed Potomac and their starter Kyle Winters rudely to Five County Stadium. Tyler Holt and Tony Wolters opened the game with back-to-back doubles that plated Holt and made it 1-0 Mudcats. After a walk, Jesus Aguilar doubled scoring Wolters and it Carolina 2-0. With two on, Jake Lowery hit a homer over the short porch in right field and Carolina was up 5-0 after just five batters. The next batters Anthony Gallas and Ronny Rodriguez doubled then scored on ground outs and after an inning, the P-Nats trailed 7-0.

The seven runs were the most scored by an opponent in the first inning this season against Potomac. The previous high of six was also on this road trip against Salem in the first inning of the first game against the Red Sox at LewisGale Field.

Potomac was able to get a run on an RBI single by Ricky Hague in the third to get the Nationals on the board against Mudcats starter Michael Goodnight and make the score 7-1 in favor of Carolina.

Carolina added a run on an RBI single by Carlos Moncrief in the fourth to extend the lead to 8-1.

Goodnight would last only three and two-third innings after a line drive from Justin Bloxom went off his pitching arm. He was relieved by Jordan Cooper who tossed two and third innings giving up just one unearned run in the fifth on an RBI single by Zach Walters that scored Blake Kelso and Potomac trailed 8-2. The Mudcats responded with a run in the bottom half of the fifth on a Gallas sac fly to increase the lead to 9-2.

That would be it scoring wise the rest of the way for both teams as both bullpens were lights out. Ryan Demmin and Neil Holland combined for three and a third scoreless for the P-Nats. Carolina relievers Dale Dickerson and Jesus Flores didn't allow in a run in the final three frames to preserve a 9-2 win for Carolina.

The Potomac offense was led by Blake Kelso who in his first game as the lead off batter reached base three times scoring all two runs for the Nationals. Potomac had chances and had a batter reach in all but one inning but stranded ten base runners.

Carolina ended up with seven doubles including five in the first inning. The seven doubles is a season-high yielded by Potomac pitching.

Tomorrow the Mudcats and Nationals play game two of the three game series with a 6:15 PM start. The P-Nats send LHP Matt Grace (2-3, 5.84) to the hill to try and get the first win ever against Carolina. Potomac returns home Monday, May 14th to face Frederick to start off a seven-game home stand. For tickets, call 703-590-2311.

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Carolina League Stories from May 11, 2012


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