For the second straight night, the Lynchburg Hillcats defeated the Salem Red Sox in a rain-shorted game, winning a 4-2, six-inning affair, Wedensday.
Lynchburg (51-55, 21-18) took the lead with a two-run first inning, and closed the game with a two-run sixth, to take a two games to none series lead over Salem (50-57, 18-21).
After Bobby Dalbec tied the ballgame in the top of the sixth inning with his league-leading 26th home run of the season, the Hillcats responded immediately in the home half of the frame. Tyler Friis walked with one away, and then with two out, Erlin Cerda and Jodd Carter came through with back-to-back RBI doubles to reclaim the lead at 4-2.
Before the top of the seventh inning, the umpires called for the tarp, and the game was called amidst heavy rain 30 minutes later.
Lynchburg opened the game with the first four hitters reaching base in the first. Carter drove a leadoff triple to center field, and Mitch Longo followed with an RBI single through the right side. Later in the inning, Jorma Rodriguez brought home a second run on an RBI fielder’s choice, as the Hillcats chased starter Jake Thompson after just 0.2 innings.
Algenis Martinez came out of the bullpen for Salem and kept the visitors in the game. He retired the first nine hitters he faced, and tossed 4.1 scoreless innings, striking out five.
Meanwhile, Sam Hentges delivered a solid start for the Hillcats. He tossed five innings and gave up just one run on three hits. Hentges walked four and struck out two.
Salem scored their lone run against him in the second inning, when Dalbec led off the frame with a triple to right, and came into score on an RBI groundout from Jake Romanski two batters later.
Despite giving up the home run to Dalbec in the sixth, Leandro Linares (Win, 4-0) picked up the win out of the bullpen. He also struck out a batter and the long ball was the lone hit he allowed.
Joan Martinez (Loss, 2-2) suffered the loss, giving up two runs on a pair of hits and a walk. He also struck out two in his only inning of work.
The Hillcats go for the series sweep on Thursday night when left-hander Anderson Polanco (1-1, 3.91) faces off with righty Tanner Houck (6-11, 4.32) at 6:30 p.m.
It’s Thirsty Thursday at City Stadium with $2 Miller Lite and Yuengling drafts.
Max Gun and Matt Present will be on the air at 6:20 p.m. with the Hillcats pregame show on TuneIn Radio and Radio434.
For tickets and more information visit lynchburg-hillcats.com the City Stadium box office, or call 434-528-1144.
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