The Lynchburg Hillcats scored three runs in the first inning but were unable to hold that lead late, as the Blue Rocks struck for four in the ninth to win, 7-6, Thursday night at City Stadium.
After working two scoreless innings in relief, Micah Miniard allowed three straight hits, with one out in the ninth, while Gabriel Cancel came through with the game-winning double to right field off of Dalbert Siri (Loss, 1-3), as Wilmington (7-6, 38-45) evens the series at one game apiece.
The Hillcats (10-5, 39-43) loaded the bases in the home half of the ninth before Julio Pinto (Win, 1-2) was able to record an out. Wilmington summed Tyler Zuber (Save, 1), who induced a fielder’s choice, a strikeout and a groundout, to escape the jam and earn his first save of the season.
The Hillcats struck for three runs in the first. Ernie Clement walked to begin the inning, and then with two outs, Conner Capel also drew a free pass. Trenton Brooks then followed with a two-run triple to right field. Next up was Jorma Rodriguez, who doubled to left-center to plate Brooks for a 3-0 lead.
The Blue Rocks got on the board a half inning later against Sam Hentges on an infield single from Vance Vizcaino, to score Travis Jones who led off the inning with a hit by pitch.
Hentges worked six innings, giving up three runs on four hits. He walked three and struck out six, but did not factor in the decision.
Logan Ice was a catalyst for the Hillcats in adding on runs throughout the night. He launched his first home run of the season in the fourth inning to make it 4-1 Lynchburg. Then in the sixth, the Hillcats catcher doubled with two away, and came in to score on a Clement single one batter later to extend the lead to 5-3. He also helped provide an add-on run in the eighth, lacing an RBI single to center to bring home Anthony Miller, who doubled one batter prior.
The Hillcats and Blue Rocks continue their five-game series Friday night at 6:30 p.m., when Lynchburg sends left-hander Tanner Tully (3-8, 4.85) to the mound to face off with Wilmington righty Jace Vines (2-8, 5.25).
Max Gun and Matt Present will be on the air with the Hillcats pregame show beginning at 6:20 p.m. on TuneIn Radio and Radio434.
It will be Fantastic Friday at City Stadium with the first 1,000 fans receiving a Hillcats patriotic hat upon entry into the ballpark.
For tickets and more information visit lynchburg-hillcats.com, the City Stadium box office, or call 434-528-1144.
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