CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Teaford Shines, Mertins Knocks in Lone Run

Published on August 6, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - On Star Wars Night at Frawley Stadium, the Force was with the Blue Rocks pitching staff, as Wilmington shut out the Winston-Salem Warthogs, 1-0, in the rubber game of a three-game set on Wednesday. Everett Teaford logged seven stellar frames, while a trio of Blue Rock relievers got the final six outs. It is the sixth time this season the Blue Rocks have held an opponent scoreless.

The Blue Rocks scored the game's only run in the bottom of the fourth by using some classic small ball. Cody Strait led off the inning with a bunt single that pitcher Jacob Rasner (4-6) was tardy in approaching. Strait moved up a base on an errant pickoff throw during the next at-bat and, two outs later, was able to race home from second on Kurt Mertins' infield single to the left side. On the play, shortstop Greg Paiml's throw to first was late and first baseman Brett Bonvechio, who was too busy arguing the safe call, forgot to mind the mad-dashing Strait.

The unorthodox tally would be enough for the Blue Rocks thanks to an All-Star effort from top to bottom in the Wilmington pitching corps. Teaford (7-5) scattered six hits and allowed two walks, getting some fine glove work along the way to keep the Warthogs off the board. In the opening frame, Strait gunned down Joe Persichina, who was trying to score on C.J. Retherford's two-out single to right. It was Teaford who flashed the leather in the third, triggering a 1-6-3 double play to escape a jam with runners at first and second.

Teaford fanned four batters on the game, using a sly combination of off-speed pitches, changeups and well-spotted fastballs to keep the 'Hogs off balance. It is just the second time this season that the 24-year-old from Alpharetta, GA tossed seven innings. He went a career-high eight frames against Lynchburg back on June 29.

The Rocks bullpen ensured the 1-0 outcome with a pair of steely innings. Chris Chavez started the eighth by walking Adam Ricks, but got the next two outs in order. Lefty Ben Swaggerty fanned Estee Harris on a payoff pitch to end the frame. All-Star closer Tyler Chambliss, who got a three-out save the previous night, retired the side in order once again in the ninth for his league-best 21st save in 24 opportunities.

The Blue Rocks open a four-game set with the Frederick Keys at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday. Wilmington will send 19-year-old righty Ed Cegarra (4-6, 5.50) to the hill to face Frederick right-hander Tim Bascom (3-5, 6.92).

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Carolina League Stories from August 6, 2008


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