CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Steady run flow keys Nats victory

Published on August 11, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


WOODBRIDGE, Va.- Although it is for only three games, the Potomac Nationals were glad to return home. Behind Luis Atilano and a steady flow of runs, the Nationals won their third straight game with a 6-1 victory over the Frederick Keys Monday night at Pfitzner Stadium.

Potomac scored runs in four consecutive innings early in the contest to stretch their lead while receiving strong pitching in return. Darryl Lawhorn got his club on the board first with an RBI double in the bottom of the second inning accounting for his second RBI since joining the P-Nats. Frederick starter Pedro Beato was tagged for six runs over five innings in his eighth loss of the year

The Nationals flashed their speed in the third stealing three bases, which led to runs. Boomer Whiting was hit by a pitch at the onset, and the speedster easily stole second base to put himself in scoring position. Michael Martinez gave Potomac a 2-1 lead with an RBI single to knock in Whiting, and upon his arrival to first, he also stole second. One batter later, Francisco Plasencia made it 3-1 with a run-scoring single to drive in his teammate Martinez. Plasencia, following the trend stole the third base of the inning, setting himself up to score on Stephen King's double. King's first RBI as a P-Nat in his first career game in Potomac put the game away at 4-1.

Although it was early, the Nationals had the game well in hand. Atilano, who has been limited to five innings in his starts as he recovers from "Tommy John" surgery, has reached the maximum frames in each of his last seven starts. The right-hander was sharp again tonight over five innings allowing just one run on five hits while striking out five. Atilano (5-1) won his fifth game over his last six decisions and lowered his ERA to 2.05.

Michael Burgess, who was promoted from Low-A Hagerstown today along with King, made a splash in his debut. The slugger blasted a home run over the center-field wall in the fifth giving the Nats a 6-1 lead. Burgess was a South Atlantic League All-Star with the Suns and started tonight's game in right field.

Potomac's bullpen responded to a tough road trip with a solid performance tonight. Clint Everts seemed un-hittable over his three relief innings. The former first-round pick notched six strikeouts and struck out the side in the top of sixth. Martin Beno struck out the side in the top of the ninth for a scoreless frame as Frederick's offense was dormant all night.

In all, the Nationals pitchers combined to record 14 strikeouts against the Keys.

Game two of the series is tomorrow night at Pfitzner Stadium. Erik Arnesen (2-1, 2.75) is slated to start for the P-Nats against Tim Bascom (3-5, 6.59) from Frederick. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Carolina League Stories from August 11, 2008


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