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Hillcats shut down Blue Rocks in 3-0 win

Chris Graham

Lynchburg HillcatsThe Lynchburg Hillcats pitching staff shut down the Wilmington Blue Rocks from start to finish on Wednesday, winning by a 3-0 score in the third game of the series.

Lynchburg (29-34, 61-69) scored early and held on against the Blue Rocks (35-30, 79-55) for the seventh straight game between the two teams decided by three runs or fewer.

In the first inning, the Hillcats got a one-out single from Tyler Freeman. After Freeman stole second, Mitch Reeves delivered him home with a single to put the Hillcats up 1-0.

Lynchburg piled onto its advantage in the third. With one out, Steven Kwan and Freeman got aboard with back-to-back singles. Gavin Collins ripped a two-run double to expand the Hillcats’ lead to 3-0. The Hillcats would hold onto that lead for the entirety of the ballgame.

Brock Hartson (Win, 2-2) was dominant in the start, tossing seven innings while giving up just a hit and a walk, striking out seven. Aaron Pinto (Save, 3) tossed two scoreless frames on the back end out of the bullpen.

Jesse Hahn (Loss, 0-1), the MLB rehabber, opened up the contest for the Blue Rocks by spinning an inning of one-run ball. Austin Cox worked six innings while surrendering two earned runs, striking out seven batters. Robert Garcia fired a scoreless ninth inning.

The Hillcats will look to secure the series win in the finale on Thursday. The Hillcats will look to left-hander Kirk McCarty (3-6, 5.37), who will square off against lefty Daniel Lynch (4-2, 3.36). First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

Thursday’s game will also be a Thirsty Thursday with $2 specials on Coors Lite and Yuengling. Homestand highlights also include Fantastic Friday, Sparkling Saturday, and Sandlot Sunday. Friday’s game will be Margaritaville Night at City Stadium with a Jimmy Buffett cover band and an Aloha Jersey Auction as well as a sunglasses giveaway courtesy of High Peak Sportswear. Saturday’s game will have the final fireworks show of the season at City Stadium.

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

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].