SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Suns overcome late rally to top Greensboro

Published on May 16, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


GREENSBORO, NC: The Hagerstown Suns (16-15) survived a six-run bottom of the seventh inning from the Greensboro Grasshoppers (18-17) to pick their fifth consecutive win, 10-7 on Saturday.

The Suns threatened early, loading the bases with one out in the top of the first inning, but came away empty handed, and stranded a runner at third with one out in the top of the second inning as well.

In the fourth, the Suns got on the board with two runs on two hits, including the first of three on the day by Michael Guerrero. Guerrero, the Suns right fielder, ended the game a double away from a cycle.

The Suns added two more in the top of the fifth, as catcher Derek Norris and first baseman Tyler Moore each reached and three batters later Guerrero delivered once more with a bases-clearing triple to right-center field.

Marcos Frias, the starting pitcher for the Suns, dazzled through five innings, allowing just one earned run in six innings of work. Though he did not factor in the decision, Frias struck out seven batters and did not allow a walk on the day.

After the Grasshoppers cut the lead to 4-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Guerrero struck once more. After Norris had already scored on a fielder's choice hit by third baseman Steven Souza, Guerrero hit his first home run of the season on a deep blast to left field. The home run drove in left fielder Robby Jacobsen, and gave Guerrero five RBI on the day and the Suns a 7-1 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Grasshoppers mounted their rally with six runs on five hits and two walks against relievers Austin Garret and Chris Lugo of the Suns.

With the game remaining tied through the eighth inning, the Suns took the lead for good in the ninth. Norris led off the inning with a single to left field, his fifth time on base in the game. Moore then delivered his fourth single of the contest and Jacobsen hit a double to right field, scoring both runners. Racobsen would score on an error by the Greensboro second baseman Daniel Pertusati to give the Suns the 10-7 lead.

Osvaldo Rodriguez earned his fifth save of the season, after dancing out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning by striking out third baseman Paul Gran.

The Suns and Grasshoppers will finish their four game series at NewBridge Bank Park on Sunday at 4:05 PM.

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 May 16, 2009


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