SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Suns' bats silent in New Jersey, lose 6-0

Published on April 24, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


LAKEWOOD, NJ: For the second consecutive game, the Hagerstown Suns (5-8) offense was shut down by the pitching of the Lakewood BlueClaws (9-6), as the Suns lost 6-0 on Friday at FirstEnergy Park.

Three BlueClaws pitchers combined to shutout the Suns, as Hagerstown managed just three hits and one walk in the game.

BlueClaws starter Jon Velasquez (4-0) picked up the win by pitching five innings and allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out four Suns. Justin De Fratus and Esmelvin Jimenez combined to allow just one hit, a single by Suns DH Sandy Leon in the eighth inning, over the final four frames for Lakewood.

Terrence Engles (0-1) started the game on the mound for the Suns, and got into trouble early. Lakewood lead-off hitter Harold Garcia tripled to right field to open the bottom of the first inning, and scored two batters later on Travis D'Arnaud's double to center field. D'Arnaud scored as the next BlueClaw hitter, Sebastian Valle, singled to left field.

The Suns looked to respond in the top of the second inning, as with one out left fielder Robby Jacobsen doubled to left field. After a flyout by right fielder Michael Guerrero, first baseman Ronnie LaBrie hit a line drive off the foot of the base umpire. By rule, Jacobsen had to stay at second base and LaBrie was credited with a single.

Leon then walked for the Suns, loading the bases with two outs in the inning for center fielder Chris Curran. Curran hit a sharp line drive but the ball was hit right at BlueClaws shortstop Troy Hanzawa and the side was retired.

The Suns never threatened again, though the BlueClaws would add three more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning and a single run in the bottom of the seventh.

The Suns have now lost five out of six games to the BlueClaws in the 2009 season.

The two teams will finish the three game series on Saturday at 4:05 pm. After an off day on Sunday, the Suns return to action at Municipal Stadium with the first Feed-Your-Face-Monday of the season on April 27th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM and gates will open at Municipal Stadium at 5:35.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Ticket packages and sponsorships are available by calling the Suns at 301-791-6266. Visit the Suns on the web at www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 24, 2009


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