SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Suns dropped in opener

Published on July 3, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


HAGERSTOWN, MD - West Virginia (10-4) rode a great pitching performance from starter Dan Merklinger to take down the Hagerstown Suns (8-6). Merklinger (2-6) went six innings, gave up only one run and struck out a season high nine batters.

Hagerstown got a great start from Bradley Meyers (4-3), but could not get the offense going for him. Meyers worked six innings, gave up three runs, only two of which were earned.

West Virginia got on the board first via the long ball. Anderson Delarosa took a Meyers offering over the left field wall to lead off the third inning.

Hagerstown would come right back with a run of their own in the top of the fourth inning. First baseman Tim Pahuta was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Stephen King followed that up with a base hit that moved Pahuta to second. After a strikeout by Micheal Burgess, catcher Sean Rooney grounded a ball into centerfield to score Pahuta.

The Power took the lead back with a run in the bottom half of the fourth. Designated hitter Steffan Wilson walked and advanced to second on a passed ball. Left fielder Eric Fryer singled to bring in the go-ahead run.

West Virginia extended the lead to 3-1 in the fifth inning. With one out Matt Cline flared a ball into shallow centerfield and stretched it into a double. After a strike out of Lee Haydel, second baseman Eric Farris singled in Cline.

The Suns made it a one run ball game in the eighth inning. Second baseman Pokey Reese reached on an error and moved to second base on a wild pitch from relief pitcher Rob Bryson. Pahuta followed that up with a double off the right field wall to score Reese.

Bryson worked three innings to pick up his fifth save of the year.

Terrence Engles worked two innings of scoreless relief for the Suns.

Hagerstown and West Virginia continue this series tomorrow at 4:05 from Appalachian Power Park.

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.

Check out the Hagerstown Suns Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



South Atlantic League Stories from July 3, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central