SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Suns unable to hold off Tourists

Published on July 9, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


HAGERSTOWN, MD - A power surge by the Hagerstown Suns (10-10) was not enough to hold off a late inning rally by the Asheville Tourists (12-8) as they went on to win 6-5 Wednesday night at Municipal Stadium.

Suns starter Hassan Pena made his first start for the Suns since May 1st and fooled Asheville hitters as he only allowed one run on three hits and struck out six through four innings.

Helder Valazquez was the only Asheville batter to blemish Pena's night as he smacked a one run single to score Darin Holcomb.

The Suns had a hard time early against Tourists starter Cory Riordan as he only allowed one base runner through the first three innings.

Pokey Reese then slammed a home run to left center field to tie the game at one. The solo shot bounced off the top of the 25-foot wall and over the fence.

The Suns continued to show their power as Michael Burgess connected with a solo shot of his own to right field to break the tie and give the Suns a 2-1 lead.

Hagerstown scored three times in the sixth as Tim Pahuta and Stephen King hit back-to-back home runs to increase the Suns lead to 5-1. Pahuta's shot to right brought in Reese who walked. King's line drive homer hit just to the right of the vertical yellow line on the center field wall.

The lead dwindled to two in the seventh after a two RBI double by Lars Davis off of Suns reliever Chris Lugo.

The Tourists then strung together a rally and scored three runs in the eighth off of Kyle Gunderson (4-2). Holcomb hit a two RBI single and David Christensen added another RBI single to take the lead 6-5.

Randle Taylor came on for the save in the ninth, but found trouble as Jose Lozada led off with a base hit. Lozada made his way to third with two outs, but Pokey Reese flew out to end the game.

Craig Rodriguez (4-3) picked up the win as he threw one and a third scoreless innings.

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 July 9, 2008


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