CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Wilmington's Magic Number Down to One Thanks to Shutout Win

Published on June 7, 2019 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - A two-out, two-run bloop-hit from Cristian Perez lifted the Wilmington Blue Rocks to a 2-0 victory over the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on Friday at Frawley Stadium. The win inched the Blue Rocks closer to capturing a first-half CL North crown. Wilmington's magic number is one thanks to an 8.5 game lead over Lynchburg with just nine contests remaining. The Rocks eliminated Frederick from contention with their triumph and the Keys' loss.

Wilmington broke up a pitchers' duel in the seventh. Brewer Hicklen got the frame started with an infield single. He then stole second, but was still stuck there two outs later. That's when things got rolling for the Rocks. Nick Pratto drew a walk on five pitches and then Seuly Matias worked the count full before earning a free pass to load the bases for Perez. The infielder hit a little looper behind first base. Scott Schreiber went retreating after it, attempting to make an inning-ending over the shoulder catch. Instead, the ball grazed off his mitt for a single that allowed Hicklen and Pratto to score the game's only runs.

Kris Bubic took a no-decision despite turning in his best start as a Blue Rock. The 2018 first-round pick scattered six hits but fanned 10 and walked only one in six shutout innings. He gave way to Josh Dye, who worked around two walks to work a scoreless seventh and pick up the win. Holden Capps allowed a hit and a walk in the eighth, but Tyler Zuber got out of the jam and then worked a one-two-three eighth to nail down his 10th save of the season.

Wilmington looks to clinch as it continues a seven-game homestand on Saturday against Fayetteville. Right-hander Jackson kowar will get the ball for the Blue Crew as first pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m. and tickets are available at BlueRocks.com. Fans who cannot make it to the ballpark can catch all the action with the Voice of the Blue Rocks, Cory Nidoh on 89.7 WGLS-FM.

PEBBLES OF KNOWLEDGE:

The Rocks are one win away from qualifying for the postseason for the first time since 2015. That year Wilmington won the first half and eventually reached the Mills Cup Championship Series. The Blue Crew are in search of their first Carolina League crown since 1999.

Wilmington posted its seventh shutout of the season on Friday. The Rocks did not allow their opponents to score a run seven times in all of 2018. Only Down East has registered more shutouts among Carolina League teams this year.

The Rocks have excelled in close contests this season. The Blue Crew lead the Carolina League with 27 games decided by a single score in 2019 and have played 39 affairs with a margin of victory of two-or-less. Wilmington is an impressive 30-9 in those close calls including 22-5 in one-run decisions. The Rocks are also 24-1 when holding an advantage through seven innings and 26-0 when leading after eight.

Check out the Wilmington Blue Rocks Statistics

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Carolina League Stories from June 7, 2019


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