CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Wilmington Designated Hitter Lifts Blue Crew to Seventh Straight Win

Published on July 31, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - After spotting the Salem Red Sox a 2-0 lead through three innings on Friday, the Wilmington Blue Rocks played small ball to pull even, and then went ahead for good with a long ball. Clint Robinson's solo home run in the bottom of the sixth, lifted the Blue Crew to a 3-2 win, their seventh consecutive victory and 12th in the last 15 games.

Robinson's dinger came on a 1-2 fastball with two outs. The pitch was down and in and Robinson reacted with a quick swing that sent the ball lining down the right-field line. It did not clear the fence by much, but it was enough to put Wilmington ahead by a run.

The heroics came after the Blue Crew pulled even in the bottom of the fourth. Johnny Giavotella opened the inning with a single up the middle. He then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Mike Moustakas moved the Wilmington second baseman to third with an unselfish groundout to the right side. That allowed Giavotella to come home on Robinson's RBI single to right.

After an Eric Hosmer grounder moved Robinson into scoring position with two down, the Red Sox made a critical mistake. Nick Van Stratten's soft roller towards third should have ended the frame, but when Salem third baseman Jon Hee threw over top of first baseman Mike Jones, Van Stratten was safe, and Robinson circled all the way around to score.

Salem had the lead after scoring twice off Wilmington starter Michael Montgomery. The tall, slender lefty gave up an RBI fielder's choice to Jones in the first, and a Tim Federowicz sacrifice fly in the third. He exited in the fifth after Salem put two men on with one out.

But Kelvin Villa did a great job to escape the jam unscathed. Villa (4-6) also tossed a scoreless sixth and earned the win thanks to Wilmington taking the lead in the home half of the frame.

Danny Gutierrez then worked the seventh and eighth without allowing a run, which set the stage for Wilmington closer Brandon Sisk in the ninth. The left-hander blew the three Red Sox batters he faced in the final frame away, striking out the side to pick up his 12th save.

The bullpen was good, but Robinson was the star. He finished the night 3-for-3 with two runs scored and a pair of RBIs. He now has four RBIs in the last two nights.

Salem's Kyle Fernandes (4-2) took the loss.

Wilmington will look to stay hot on Saturday as the Rocks host Salem again at 7:05 p.m. Eduardo Paulino (4-6, 4.22) will take the hill for the Rocks. Salem will counter with right-hander Eammon Portice (6-4 4.26). Off the field, fans will enjoy a Sgt. Slaughter appearance in honor of GI Joe Night. The Blue Crew will also wear special camouflage hats which will be auctioned off to benefit the USO of Delaware.

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

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Carolina League Stories from July 31, 2009


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