CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Winning Streak Comes to a Close at 12

Published on August 8, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Woodbridge, VA - Thirteen proved an unlucky number on Saturday night, as the Blue Rocks' franchise-record winning streak stalled at a dozen with a 9-0 loss to the Potomac Nationals at Pfitzner Stadium. It was a bad sign when Potomac posted more runs in the first inning (3) than it had in the first two games of the series combined (2). And one crucial call that went the hosts' way paved the path to an even more crooked number in the second, putting the Blue Rocks in a deficit they could not overcome. It marks the team's 13th shutout loss of the season and sixth at the hands of their nemesis. Potomac has forced a virtual tie for first place with Wilmington in the Northern Division.

Three straight hits and a sacrifice fly made it 3-0 in the first frame. Michael Burgess drove in two with a double and Chris Marrero added the sac fly. In the second, a major call on the bases helped steer the direction of the game. With the bases loaded and one out, Jesus Valdez grounded a ball to shortstop. Anthony Seratelli fielded and flipped to second for one, but Johnny Giavotella's relay throw to first went tall.

However, it appeared that Eric Hosmer descended on the base from his hop in time to retire Valdez for an inning-ending double play. Alas, base umpire Kolin Kline ruled that the runner beat Hosmer's foot to the base for an RBI fielder's choice. After an argument from manager Brian Rupp, Burgess followed the suspect decision with an impressive shot to center for a three-run homer, his team-leading 19th of the year, which spelled the end of the night for starter Alex Caldera (4-9).

Caldera allowed seven runs over just 1.2 innings, tying his career-shortest start. He last went 1.2 on July 28, 2007 while with the Rookie Burlington Royals as a first-year pro.

Carlos Rivas entered and struck out Marrero. In the third though, the first three men reached and two scored before Rivas could record an out. Tim Pahuta walked, Dan Nelson singled and Devin Ivany doubled in the duo with a gapper to left-center for a 9-0 score that would stay on the board. Those third-inning runs snapped the bullpen's streak at 33.0 innings without allowing an earned run.

Reliever Danny Gutierrez logged his longest outing as a Blue Rock with three scoreless innings. The prospect looked impressive with a curveball that got better as his outing deepened. The Riverside, CA product struck out six and walked none.

The Blue Rocks did little offensively, placing a man beyond first base twice through the first seven innings. The eighth saw some baserunners thanks to wildness and a subsequent scary moment when Hosmer became the second bruise victim of the 6'8" 290-pound Jesse Estrada. The giant right-hander had plunked Derrick Robinson to begin the inning, allowed a single to right against Clint Robinson, and hit Hosmer in the head with a pitch to load the bases.

The second-ranked prospect in the Kansas City system according to Baseball America immediately popped up though and turned away both his manager and athletic trainer, Dave Iannicca at first base. Alas, Nick Van Stratten bounced out to second to leave the bases loaded.

In Sunday's 1:05 p.m. series and road trip finale, the Blue Rocks will give the ball to southpaw Ray Liotta (4-2, 3.66). Potomac will counter with right-hander Brad Peacock (1-1, 8.00), who is of no relation to his teammate Brian Peacock, although both hail from southern Florida.

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Carolina League Stories from August 8, 2009


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