CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Whiting Lifts P-Nats to Walkoff Win

Published on September 1, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


WOODBRIDGE, Va- Every game in the final homestand is a must-win for the P-Nats as the first-place Blue Rocks simply refuse to lose, taking a 2 ½ game lead into Tuesday's opener. The P-Nats kept pace with the Blue Crew, picking up a walk-off victory over the Hillcats, 4-3 in 11 innings.

Brad Peacock got the nod on the hill for the P-Nats looking to build off his career-best eight-inning outing against Myrtle Beach last Tuesday. Peacock ran into trouble early but settled down, going six innings allowing three runs on just three hits while striking out a batter.

The righty allowed a run in the first on a Michael Martinez error who then made up for his mistake by nailing Josh Harrison at the plate as he tried to score the game's second run. A Jordy Mercer sacrifice fly in the third made the game 2-0, and a Josh Harrison double in the fifth pushed the advantage to 3-1.

That lead looked to be more than enough for Hillcats starter Jeff Locke who looked every bit the Top 10 prospect that came into the 2009 season.

Stephen King got the Nats on the board in the fourth on an infield single to score Devin Ivany, and Potomac would keep the pressure on the southpaw by plating two more in the sixth frame. Jesus Valdez singled and Michael Burgess doubled to put runners on second and third with nobody out. Ivany lofted a sacrifice fly to score a run and Brian Peacock knocked his second double of the evening to knot the ballgame at three apiece.

The bullpens had the better of each offense in this contest as there would be bonus baseball on the horizon for the opener of this three-game set.

The score would remain the same until the 11th inning when the P-Nats finally scraped out a manufactured run on the strength of a walk, an intentional walk, a hit batter and a sacrifice fly. With the bases loaded, Boomer Whiting lifted a fly ball to short left field. Jared Keel made the catch and threw home, but Ivany beat the throw by matter of feet to send the P-Nats bench spilling onto the field in celebration.

Hassan Pena (1-1) pitched two scoreless innings to pick up his first win of the season while Chris Cullen (4-4) took the loss.

Unfortunately for the P-Nats, the first-place Blue Rocks had a 4-3 walk-off victory of their own on Tuesday night to take the first two contests from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and knock their magic number down to four.

The Nats and Cats will be back at the Pfitz for the second game tomorrow evening with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET, and it will be Belly Buster Night at the Pfitz! For just $12, fans can get all-you-can-eat Moe's Southwest Grill burritos and select items from Bob Evans, hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and much much more while supplies last. Also, bring in your receipt from any Wendy's Old-Fashioned Combo Meal and receive one FREE Grandstand ticket with the purchase of another Grandstand ticket. So loosen your belts and come on down to watch the P-Nats in their quest to repeat as Mills Cup champions! First pitch is 7:05 ET.

For more information on tickets, daily promotions, and all things P-Nats, call (703) 590-2311 or log onto www.potomacnationals.com to join the party!

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Carolina League Stories from September 1, 2009


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