'Cats split with Rocks

The Hillcats and Blue Rocks split a doubleheader Tuesday night, with Wilmington winning the first game 3-1, and Lynchburg winning the second 7-3. All seven runs the Hillcats scored in the second game came with two outs, and the pitching staff combined to allow just one hit.

The Blue Rocks were able to take the first game. Elisaul Pimentel pitched a complete game in the seven-inning affair to lead Wilmington to the win. Pimentel (4-3) gave up four hits over his seven innings, and didn’t give up a run until the last inning.

Wilmington batters got to Hillcats starter Chris Masters early, scoring three runs on six hits over the first three innings of the game. Masters fell to 4-3 on the season.

In the seventh, Joe Leonard hit a two-out double to score Adam Milligan from third to break the shutout. The Hillcats couldn’t score any more and lost 3-1. It was their first loss in a seven-inning game this season.

Between games, the Hillcats switched from their home white jerseys to their alternate green jerseys, and it seemed to bring Lynchburg some luck.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the second, Geraldo Rodriguez hit a two-out two-run home run to left-center field. It was Rodriguez’s sixth home run of the season with Lynchburg.

The Hillcats had another two-out rally in them in the fifth inning. After the first two batters were retired, the next six batters reached base for the Hillcats. Five of those six runners came in to score. The big blow in the inning came from Adam Milligan, who hit a two-run triple. By the end of the inning, the Hillcats had extended their lead to 7-1.

The Blue Rocks provided a scare in the top of the seventh. Reliever Jeremy Haynes came into the game and walked three of the first four batters he faced. The other batter reached on an error. Ryan Buchter then entered the game, gave up a sacrifice fly, but recorded three outs to earn his fourth save of the season, and close out a 7-3 win.

David Hale pitched two shutout innings in relief for the Hillcats to pick up the win. Hale (1-1) relieved Dimasther Delgado, who pitched four innings in his second start after coming off the disabled list. The Hillcats pitchers combined to allow just one hit, though they allowed nine walks.

Michael Mariot lost his first game of the season, and is now 5-1.

After the split, Lynchburg is now 29-36. Wilmington’s record moved to 33-31.

The Hillcats wrap up the series with the Blue Rocks tomorrow night. Lynchburg lefty Matt Crim (1-5) will face righty Timothy Melville (6-6). First pitch is at 7:05 pm, with gates opening at 6.

If you can’t make it to the game, the Hillcats On-Deck Show presented by Honda/Suzuki of Lynchburg will go on the air at 6:40 pm. Tune in to 105.5 KD Country or go to lynchburg-hillcats.com to listen live to all the action.