After seven consecutive losses, many in heartbreaking fashion, the Lynchburg Hillcats picked up a win, their first at City Stadium this season by a score of 4-1. The ‘Cats had no shortage of offense in the previous three games against Potomac, but on Sunday afternoon it was the pitching that willed them to victory.
Lynchburg starter Mike Rayl went three innings and gave up one run on an RBI sacrifice fly from Jimmy Yezzo. Rayl allowed five hits and struck out a pair.
The Hillcats tied things up in the fourth when Clint Frazier led off with a double and came around to score on a Nellie Rodriguez single to left.
D.J. Brown relieved Rayl in the fourth and pitched the next five innings, allowing only two baserunners on a hit and a walk while striking out six. Brown’s effort was rewarded with the win, his first of the young season.
The Hillcats took the lead in the seventh with three runs on four hits. Luigi Rodriguez continued his hot-hitting homestand and drove in the first of the three with an RBI single through the hole at second base. Ivan Castillo plated the next two with a two-run double to center, giving Lynchburg a 4-1 lead. Luigi Rodriguez finished his day 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
Casey Weathers came in for the ninth, an inning that the Hillcats have given up 24 runs in this season. Weathers put an end to that issue on Sunday with a clean inning, striking out one and picking up the save.
The Hillcats continue their seven-game homestand Monday at 6:30 p.m. at City Stadium for BOGO Monday, presented by ABC 13. General admission tickets will be buy one, get one free, as well as select concession stand deals. Fans who can’t make it out to the ballpark can tune in to ESPN Virginia 93.3 FM and 1320 AM or www.lynchburg-hillcats.com beginning at 6:10 p.m. for the Hillcats On-Deck Show
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Chris Graham
