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Lynchburg Hillcats top Frederick, 5-3

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lynchburg hillcatsKirk McCarty (Win, 1-0) was sensational again for the Hillcats, facing just two over the minimum in seven innings, leading the Hillcats to a 5-3 win over the Keys on Saturday.

McCarty retired the first six Keys (58-65, 23-31) hitters in the ballgame, giving him 16 straight retired for the Hillcats (62-59, 33-21), dating back to his debut against the Wood Ducks on August 11.

The only run allowed by McCarty was a solo home run by Wilson Garcia, his 21st of the season, to lead off the seventh inning. Prior to that blast, no Keys hitter advanced beyond first base in the game. McCarty allowed just the one run on four hits, struck out six, and did not walk a batter, earning his first Carolina League win. Over two starts with Lynchburg, McCarty has allowed just one run in 13 innings of work (0.69 ERA).

Meanwhile, the Hillcats offense provided some punch. Mitch Longo opened the scoring for Lynchburg in the third inning, with a bloop single over a draw-in infield, scoring Anthony Miller, who led off the frame with a single, to make it 1-0.

The Hillcats used the long ball to extend their lead in the fifth. Miller led off the frame with a solo blast to right, his sixth of the season, and his second in as many starts. Later in the inning, with two outs, Nolan Jones lifted a moonshot to straight away center, his second of the season, giving the Hillcats a 3-0 edge.

Miller and Jones combined to go 4-for-6 with two doubles, two home runs, two walks, and four runs scored.

Both homers were given up by Keys starter Mike Baumann (Loss, 7-4), who lasted five innings, giving up three runs on six hits, walked one, and struck out two.

After the Garica home run in the top of the seventh, Lynchburg was quick to answer in the home half. The Hillcats loaded the bases with two outs against against Alex Katz. Gavin Collins then came through, lacing a two-run single over the leap of the second baseman Preston Palmeiro, to widen the lead to 5-1.

Frederick got a run back in the eighth. Cole Billingsley led off the frame with a double, and then scored after Ben Krauth uncorked a pair of wild pitches.

Dalbert Siri (Save, 12) gave up a home run to Palmeiro to lead off the ninth inning, but battled back to escape a jam, picking up a strikeout of Daniel Fajardao to seal the victory.

The teams will play the rubber game of the three game set on Sunday at 5 p.m. Right-hander Zach Plesac (8-4, 4.05) will take the ball for Lynchburg, opposed by Frederick righty Matthias Deetz (0-6, 9.00).

Max Gun and Matt Present will be on the air at 4:50 p.m. with the pregame show, on TuneIn Radio and Radio434.

It will be Sandlot Sunday, presented by MedExpress featuring post-game kids run the bases, catch on the field, and wiffle ball.

For tickets and more information visit lynchburg-hillcats.com, the City Stadium box office, or call 434-528-1144.

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