Warthogs Rally Falls Short in 9-7 Loss to Potomac
Published on May 1, 2007 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
WOODBRIDGE, VA - Winston-Salem threatened with a late rally, but it was not enough to overcome the huge hole they dug early as Potomac held on for a 9-7 win over the Warthogs on Tuesday night at Pfitzner Stadium. After trailing 9-3, the Warthogs scored four runs in the last two innings and had runners in scoring position in the ninth, but Potomac closer Alex Morales struck out Javier Castillo and Daron Roberts to end the threat and give the Nationals back-to back wins to open this four-game series.
The Warthogs offense came alive early as Aaron Cunningham led off the game with a triple and scored on an RBI groundout by Micah Schnurstein. With two outs, Castillo singled and Roberts followed with a two-run home run over the left field corner to put the Warthogs ahead 3-0 in the first inning. Potomac cut into the Warthogs lead with a run on an RBI groundout by Ofilio Castro in the third inning to make the score 3-1.
The Nationals tied the game in the fourth inning when Steve Mortimer hit a solo home run off Warthogs' starting pitcher Justin Cassel. Later in the inning, with runners on the corners, Brandon Powell rolled an RBI bunt down the first base line to score Francisco Plasencia and tie the game at three. The Nationals took the lead in the fifth inning on a two-out RBI double by Mortimer to give Potomac a 4-3 lead.
The Nationals broke the game open when Mortimer greeted Warthogs reliever Joe Torres with a two-run blast to right field to give Potomac a 6-3 advantage. The Nationals would add three more runs in the inning to take an 9-3 lead. Winston-Salem scored a pair of runs in the eighth inning on RBI groundouts by Roberts and Rod Allen Jr. to cut the deficit to 9-5.
The Warthogs loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth inning and David Cook smacked a two-run single to left field to make the score 9-7. Winston-Salem put runners on second and third with one out, but Morales struck out the last two batters to preserve the win for Potomac.
Cassel (4-1) only lasted 4 2/3 innings in his shortest outing of the year and allowed four runs on eight hits. After giving up three runs in the first innings, Potomac starting pitcher Carlos Martinez (1-2) shut down the Warthogs offense afterward going five innings and earning his first win of the season. Mortimer led the way at the plate for Potomac going 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI.
Game three between the Warthogs and Nationals will take place on Wednesday, May 2 at Pfitzner Stadium with the first pitch scheduled for 7:35 PM. Winston-Salem will send LHP Ryan Rodriguez (0-0, 5.40) to the mound and Potomac will counter with RHP Clint Everts (1-2, 2.81).
Carolina League Stories from May 1, 2007
- Pelicans "Perfect Storm" Melts Avalanche, Even Series With 6-1 Win - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Gene Yost Promoted to Potomac - Potomac Nationals
- Potomac Holds on against Winston-Salem - Potomac Nationals
- Blue Rock Bats Shoot Blanks In 4-1 Loss - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Warthogs Rally Falls Short in 9-7 Loss to Potomac - Winston-Salem Dash
- Behind Erbe, Rivas, Keys Make It Four In A Row - Frederick Keys
- Salem's bats smothered by Pelicans - Salem RidgeYaks
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers
- Kinston's David Huff Carolina League Pitcher of the Week - Kinston Indians
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.
