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Wilmington Blue Rocks

Van Stratten Vexes Keys In Victory

September 6, 2009 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - Another outstanding pitching performance from starter Michael Montgomery, and a stellar day at the plate for right fielder Nick Van Stratten propelled the Wilmington Blue Rocks to an 8-1 victory over the Frederick Keys on Sunday at Frawley Stadium.

Montgomery followed his brilliant start six days earlier when he struck out 12 over 6.2 frames, with an effort that was not nearly as dazzling, but just as effective. The left-hander allowed only a single run on four hits over six innings pitched. He fanned six and walked only one.

The youngest pitcher on the Rocks' roster set down the Keys in order three times, and did not allow a man to reach as far as third base until the sixth. That was the inning when he allowed Frederick's only score, but it came with Wilmington comfortably on top by six runs.

The cushion came in large part thanks to an outstanding day at the plate by Van Stratten. The right fielder finished his afternoon 3-for-3 with two runs scored, two RBIs, a double and a homer. He was the catalyst of a Wilmington offense which posted multiple runs in three different innings, and out-hit the Keys, 11-5.

The Rocks opened the scoring in the second with a quick crooked number. Robbie Widlansky helped the Rocks early as he misplayed a pair of balls in left that led to a double by Clint Robinson, and a run-scoring triple off the bat of Eric Hosmer.

That was followed by an infield hit by Van Stratten and an RBI single by Jamar Walton. Ryan Eigsti then walked, and two outs later, Johnny Giavotella capped the frame off with his two-run single to left.

Hosmer's hit was most encouraging, as it came in his first plate appearance since being out of the lineup due to getting lasik surery on August 25. That was his lone hit on the afternoon, but he did score three runs.

In the third, Wilmington added two more tallies courtesy of Van Stratten's titanic blast over the left-field fence. It marked the right fielder's third roundtripper since joining the Blue Rocks in mid-July.

The home run would be the last pitch Frederick starter Chorye Spoone would throw. Spoone (0-2) allowed six runs on six hits and two walks in just two-plus innings to take the loss.

Van Stratten would reach base once more in the seventh on a double to right. He and Hosmer would eventually come into score on Walton's single to left.

Walton also had a big day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three RBIs and a run.

The Rocks and Keys wrap up the regular season with a special holiday matinee on Monday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Wilmington will send Alex Caldera (3-1, 2.35) to the mound, while Frederick counters with right-hander Sean Gleason (4-8, 4.96). Off the field, the Rocks will give out stress balls courtesy of Dupont to all fans.

For tickets, call 302-888-BLUE (2583) or visit bluerocks.com.

PEBBLES OF KNOWLEDGE:

Michael Montgomery has now posted quality starts six of the last seven times he has taken the mound. He also got his scoreless innings streak up to 12.1 frames before surrendering his lone tally on Sunday afternoon in the sixth. Montgomery had not allowed a run since the final frame of his August 26 start in Lynchburg.

Thanks to rule 22-10 in the baseball-scoring guide, Frederick's Robbie Widlansky will win the 2009 Carolina League batting title. Widlansky does not own the necessary 2.7 plate appearances per games played by the Keys to qualify. But the rules do allow Widlansky to simulate the number of at-bats he is short of being eligible, as outs, and if the he still has a higher average be awarded the batting title. The rule also stipulates that the player's listed average will be based on the actual results on the field, not the simulated outs. Widlansky benefits from both of those stipulations. This means Clint Robinson, who entered the day with the best batting average of players with enough plate appearances, will not become the second ever Blue Crewer to win a batting crown.

The Rocks have now won five-of-six overall, six-of-seven against the Frederick Keys, and seven of their last eight games at home.

There was a scary moment in the eighth as Keys third baseman Buck Britton chased a foul pop towards the Frederick dugout. As the ball's descent came toward his glove, Britton disappeared from everyone's view as he fell into the dugout. After staying down for a moment, Britton thankfully popped to his feet and remained in the game.

The Rocks had a little fun on Sunday, as strength and conditioning coach Alan Potts coached first base in place of Justin Gemoll. Potts, who does not normally wear a uniform during games, sported one while on the field. Mike Moustakas had coached first in Saturday's loss.

Former Blue Rocks pitcher Dusty Hughes, who spent 2004 on the Riverfront, made his Major League debut on Sunday. Hughes tossed 4.1 scoreless frames in relief of ineffective Kansas City starter Luke Hochevar. He is the second one-time Blue Crewer to make his debut in big-league level during 2009, and the 102nd of all-time.

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Carolina League Stories from September 6, 2009


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