SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

When in Rome, Suns Continue Winning Roll

Published on April 10, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


Three games to open the 2011 season in Rome, Georgia for the Hagerstown Suns. Three victories, all decided by two runs or less. Three starting pitchers who gave up a combined one earned run in 16.0 innings pitched. This is how the Suns continued their winning roll in the Peace State on Saturday night. Hagerstown defeated the Rome Braves by a score of 3-2 in Game 3 of their four-game opening road series, which was the same final score as their Opening Night triumph at State Mutual Stadium.

Once again, the Suns starting pitching delivered as RHP Chris McKenzie (1-0), the winning pitcher, did not give up a base hit until the 6th frame, going 5.0 innings and allowing just one run on one hit, while striking out three. Conversely, Braves LHP Steven Kent (0-1), the losing pitcher, held the Suns scoreless for three innings before giving up a solo home run over to dead center field to C David Freitas in the 4th inning. RHP Cameron Selik, LHP Matt Grace, and McKenzie combined through the first three games of the season for one earned run in 16.0 inning pitched. In the same stanza, DH Blake Kelso would shoot an RBI double to the left field corner which scored 3B Sean Nicol, who reached base with a line drive single to right field to give the Suns a 2-0 lead.

The Suns would add an insurance run an inning later as RF Bryce Harper, who went 0-for-4 in the contest, wrapped an RBI fielder's choice towards second base which scored LF Randolph Oduber, who bunted his way aboard.

The Braves made a comeback run with one run in the last of the 6th inning off RHP Shane McCatty as Rome C Christian Bethancourt bounced an RBI groundout to score CF Kyle Rose, who singled through the right side. The run was charged to McKenzie because he put Rose on base. Rome added an additional run in the last of the 8th inning as RF Keenan Wiley ripped an RBI triple off RHP Wilson Eusebio to center field, summoning home 2B Elmer Reyes to put the Braves back in contention.

Eusebio got out of the 8th inning with a clutch strikeout of Bethancourt to end the inning and darken the hopes of the Braves. RHP Ben Graham (2 SV) entered the game in the 9th inning to close out the ballgame, and he would retire the Braves in order to earn his second save of the season in as many opportunities.

The Suns will take on the Braves with a chance to sweep the season opening set on Sunday, April 10th. First pitch is set for 2:00pm. 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 10, 2011


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