SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Suns pull out win over Shorebirds

June 19, 2008 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


SALISBURY, MD - The Hagerstown Suns (1-0) got off to a dream start on Thursday, as they opened the second half of the season with a 7-1 victory over the Delmarva Shorebirds (0-1) behind a dominant pitching performance by Colten Willems (5-4).

Willems, a first round pick in 2006, pitched eight and two thirds innings without allowing an earned run. He did allow an unearned run in the bottom of the ninth inning and was pulled in favor of Ryan Harrison who faced one batter to close out the game.

While Willems struck out just five batters in the game, it was his command of the strike zone that was most impressive. He allowed just one walk, and got 17 ground-ball outs compared to just five outs in the air, and only two fly-balls to the outfield.

The Suns got all the offense they needed in the top of the second inning as Michael Burgess led off with his 15th home run of the season, tying him for the SAL lead. After Mark Gildea and Jake Rogers walked Boomer Whiting hit his second homer of the year to make the score 4-0.

The Suns added one run in the top of the third and two more in the fourth to run the score to 7-0.

Burgees was the offensive start of the day with two hits and two walks, while Gildea also reached base four times on the day with three walks and a bunt single. Gildea and Whiting also scored two runs apiece.

Game two of the four-game series between the Suns and Shorebirds will take place on Friday, June 20th at 7:05 p.m. from Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salsibury, MD.

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 June 19, 2008


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