SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Suns Secure Split of Four-Game Set in Hickory

Published on August 2, 2015 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


HICKORY, NC - The Hagerstown Suns (16-20, 51-53) broke a 3-3 tie with a three-run frame in the top of the seventh on Sunday evening, taking the final game of four-game series against the Hickory Crawdads (20-16, 64-40) by a final score of 7-3. The season series is now tied at 5-5, with three games remaining between the two teams this season.

The three-run seventh-inning rally for the Suns on Sunday began with three consecutive singles, which resulted in one run scoring. Shortstop Osvaldo Abreu then reached on a throwing error, allowing another run to trot home. Two batters later DH Matthew Page stroked a single to right to plate a run, capping off the game-changing frame. LHP David Napoli (5-3) was the recipient of the big offensive inning as he wound up with the win for Hagerstown. In three innings pitched in relief he allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out two. Starting RHP Austin Pettibone (2-4) suffered the loss for Hickory. He gave up six runs (five earned) on 10 hits including two homers while striking out two over six innings pitched.

In the third game of the series on Saturday night Hickory used a four-run sixth inning to break open a one-run game and coast to a 10-7 victory. The Crawdads had led 6-2 after three innings, but the Suns managed to score three unanswered runs to fight back and get within one. However, the momentum shifted drastically in the sixth when Hickory had five straight hits to begin the inning, and wound up sending eight men to the plate. Starting RHP Collin Wiles (10-3) wound up earning the win for the Crawdads. He threw five innings and surrendered five runs (four earned) on nine hits while striking out one. Starting RHP Luis Reyes (5-7) suffered the loss for Hagerstown. He lasted just three innings, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out one.

In game two of the series on Friday night Hickory led from the start and scored at least one run in five different innings to secure a 9-6 win. The Suns were able to make things somewhat interesting by plating four in the eighth, but they were never closer than two runs down from the second inning on. RHP Ariel Jurado (11-0) earned the win for the Crawdads. He pitched 2.1 innings in relief, giving up one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out three. Starting RHP Drew Van Orden (5-5) suffered the loss for Hagerstown. It was his fourth straight loss as he allowed six runs (five earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out two and throwing two wild pitches over 5.2 innings. RHP Scott Williams didn't get charged with a run while recording the final six outs for Hickory to record his fifth save of the season.

In the first game of the series on Thursday night Hagerstown nearly let a seven-run lead slip away, but held on for an 8-6 win. The Suns built their seven-run cushion in part thanks to strong starting pitching from LHP Connor Bach (4-2), who earned the win by throwing five scoreless innings and giving up just three hits and two walks while striking out six. Starting LHP Brett Martin (4-5) allowed four of the Suns eight runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings as he got tagged with the loss for Hickory. RHP Koda Glover notched his second save in two tries this season with Hagerstown by throwing a scoreless ninth, as he struck out 1B Jonathan Meyer with the potential tying run at first to end the ball game.

In total both teams scored 28 runs in the series, but the Suns outhit the Crawdads 50-47. The Suns next head back home to Hagerstown to take on the Charleston Riverdogs (13-23, 47-59) in a three-game series beginning on Monday, August 3. LHP R.C. Orlan (3-1) will head to the hill for the Suns to make his first start and 27th appearance with the Suns this season. He will square off against RHP Matt Marsh (1-3) for Charleston. First pitch on Monday is scheduled for 7:05pm.

Check out the Hagerstown Suns Statistics

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



South Atlantic League Stories from August 2, 2015


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