Wilmington Swipes Series from Salem
Published on June 3, 2018 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release
Salem, VA - The Wilmington Blue Rocks (23-33) earned the second series win of the season against the Salem Red Sox (26-27) in a back-and-forth game on Sunday afternoon that ended 5-4 in favor of the Rocks. Meibrys Viloria was on fire at the plate, driving in four RBI including the game-winning run in the top of the eighth.
For the third straight game, Salem scored in the first inning. Santiago Espinal would start the frame on a line-drive double to center. Brett Netzer then singled to right to put runners on the corners with no outs. C.J. Chatham singled through the gap in right to bring home Espinal and put the Sox on top 1-0.
Wilmington responded in the top of the fourth inning. Kort Peterson tied the game with an RBI double to score Khalil Lee. Later in the inning, Viloria smacked a three-run homer to right field to give the Blue Rocks the 4-1 lead.
The Red Sox trimmed the lead in the bottom of the fifth. With the bases loaded, Chatham struck again this time singling to left to drive in two runs and make it a 4-3 ballgame.
The Rocks continued the scoring in the top of the eighth. Viloria hit a deep single to center to drive in his fourth RBI of the game and extend the lead to 5-3.
Salem didn't let the game go easy as a fielding error by Gabriel Cancel in the bottom of the eighth cost the Rocks a run as the Sox were within striking distance, 5-4. The Red Sox tried to start a rally in the bottom of the ninth but, closing pitcher Bryan Brickhouse shut the door out of the bullpen, picked up two strikeouts and earned his ninth save of the season to secure the 5-4 win.
Wilmington returns home to Frawley Stadium on Tuesday, June 5 to start a six-day homestand when the Lynchburg Hillcats come to visit with first pitched scheduled at 6:35 p.m. The Blue Rocks will send Arnaldo Hernandez (5-3, 3.98 ERA) to the mound. If you can't make it to the game, 89.7 WGLS-FM will have the broadcast featuring Matt Janus and Cory Nidoh on the call.
PEBBLES OF KNOWLEDGE:
Meibrys Viloria had one of his best performances at the plate on Sunday afternoon. This is Viloria's fourth multi-RBI game of the season and his ninth multi-hit game. Viloria is the third Blue Rock player this season to drive in four or more RBI in one game. Rudy Martin, Chase Vallot, and Kort Peterson have all driven in five runs in a single game this season.
With the wins on Saturday and Sunday, the Blue Rocks' away record improves to 10-18. This also marks the first away series win since April 19-22 when Wilmington took three of four games from the Frederick Keys at Harry Grove Stadium. The Blue Rocks also improve to 5-10 in series-closing games.
Relief pitcher, Bryan Brickhouse earned his ninth save of the season, pitching one and one-third innings and fanning two batters to secure the win. Brickhouse has been perfect in save situations on the mound going nine for nine all season and is now tied for league-lead in saves with Down East's C.D. Pelham.
Carolina League Stories from June 3, 2018
- Wilmington Swipes Series from Salem - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Salem Nipped 5-4 Sunday by Blue Rocks - Salem RidgeYaks
- Mudcats Swept in Winston-Salem While Losing Third Straight - Carolina Mudcats
- Cease, Remillard Lead Rayados to 5-1 Win on Sunday Afternoon - Winston-Salem Dash
- P-Nats Drop Rubber Match 4-3 - Potomac Nationals
- OF Kevonte Mitchell activated - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Hillcats and Keys Double-Header Washed out on Sunday - Hill City Howlers
- Keys and Hillcats Twinbill Postponed - Frederick Keys
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Game Notes, June 3 vs. Down East - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- June 3 - Carolina Mudcats Game Information - Carolina Mudcats
- Winston-Salem Rayados: Game Notes (June 3 vs. Carolina) - Winston-Salem Dash
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.
