SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Suns Victorious in 2011 Season Opener

Published on April 8, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


It was an historic evening of baseball at State Mutual Stadium in Rome, GA, on Thursday evening as the number one overall draft pick in the 2010 Major League Baseball draft, Bryce Harper, was introduced to the full-season professional ranks as the Rome Braves hosted the Hagerstown Suns. Harper, the number one prospect in MLB per Baseball America would not disappoint the thousands of fans who flocked to witness his first regular season game in the South Atlantic League. Harper went 2-for-4, with an RBI single in his first SAL plate appearance, and also collected a stolen base in the Opening Night contest which was won by the Hagerstown Suns by a score of 3-2.

Harper collected his first Sally League base-hit on a full count offering from LHP Carlos Perez which he served into shallow center field, plating LF Randolph Oduber, who led off the game with a walk. Later, Harper would show off his versatile skill set as he dropped down a bunt up the third base line that could not be fielded cleanly by either Perez or 3B Edward Salcedo, his second hit of the night. Then, as Harper darted to second base, Perez would successfully begin the process of catching Harper trying to steal, however, Harper got hung up around the second base bag long enough for Oduber to come storming to the plate, putting the Suns up on the Braves 2-0.

Suns RHP Cameron Selik pitched a solid game going 5.0 scoreless innings without allowing a walk and striking out four batters. Selik would not factor into the decision, though, as Suns RHP Taylor Jordan entered the game in the 6th inning and gave up two earned runs as DH Jacob Dalfonso wrapped a seeing-eye 2 RBI double up the first base line, driving home C Christian Bethancourt, who singled, and Salcedo who reached base via the base-on-balls.

Hagerstown's go-ahead run came to fruition after SS Jason Martinson laced an RBI single to center field, summoning home DH Wade Moore, who walked to lead off the 7th inning.

Jordan (1-0), although he allowed the game to become tied, would earn the victory after enducing an inning-ending groundout in the 6th and escaping the 7th inning despite allowing singles to 2B Elmer Reyes and 1B Barrett Kleinknecht.

Braves RHP Tyler Hess (0-1), the losing pitcher, would strike out the side in the top of the 5th, but was responsible for giving up the run which provided the lead for the Suns.

Hagerstown RHP Ben Graham (1 SV) pitched a near perfect pair of innings in the 8th and 9th frames to earn his first save of the season. Graham went 2.0 scoreless innings and struck out one in the process.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Season ticket packages, group outings, and corporate 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 Hagerstown Baseball, LLC.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 8, 2011


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