Lynchburg scored one run in four different innings, highlighted by an opposite-field solo home run by Bobby Bradley off Major Leaguer Brian Matusz, to defeat the Frederick Keys, 4-0, at Nymeo Field Friday night. Julian Merryweather tossed five scoreless innings to earn his second win of the season.
Lynchburg faced two different pitchers on Major League rehab assignments Friday night but successfully scored against each.Kevin Gausman began the game for Frederick, and Greg Allen wasted no time in greeting him with a base hit up the middle.Dorssys Paulino walked, and a fielder’s choice error allowed the Hillcats to load the bases. Two batters later, Yu-Cheng Changnotched an RBI by bringing home Allen on a groundout to first.
In the fourth inning, Mike Papi and Mark Mathias both singled off Gausman, and Daniel Salters walked to load the bases and knock the Baltimore Oriole from the mound. Ivan Castillo hit a sacrifice fly to left field off the reliever Max Schuh to make to it 2-0 in favor of Lynchburg.
In the fifth inning, another Major League pitcher in Brian Matusz entered the game. After recording two quick outs, Bobby Bradley hit an opposite-field home run in the lefty-lefty matchup to push the Hillcats advantage to 3-0.
Lynchburg’s final tally came in the ninth when Castillo walked, stole second base, and eventually scored on an infield single byPaulino.
Julian Merryweather continued his strong start to 2016 with five more scoreless innings, which led to another combined shutout for the Hillcats. The right-hander struck out three and pushed his season total to 11 innings without surrendering a run. Both of his starts have resulted in shutouts.
Jordan Milbrath tossed three scoreless innings in middle relief before turning it over to Trevor Frank. Frank entered in a non-save situation but only allowed one walk to preserve the 4-0 final score.
In the third inning, Greg Allen singled off Kevin Gausman a second time…He proceeded to steal a base for his league-leading eighth swipe of the year…He is now a perfect 11-for-11 in stolen base attempts during his career with the Hillcats…Bobby Bradley’s home run was the first off a left-hander for the Hillcats…Lynchburg leads the Carolina League with eight home runs as a team, but all of them have been solo homers this season.
Lynchburg plays an afternoon contest at Nymeo Field Saturday at 2 p.m. Sean Brady makes his second start of the season against Chipper Smith. It will be the first time the Hillcats face a left-handed starting pitcher this year. Fans can listen to the action on 93.3 FM and 1320 AM as well as www.lynchburg-hillcats.com, beginning with the Hillcats On-Deck Show at 1:45 p.m.
Share
Contributors
