The Lynchburg Hillcats beat the Potomac Nationals 8-2 tonight scoring early and holding the lead all night. Matt Lipka doubled twice in the first two innings helping the Hillcats put up five early runs. The ‘Cats coasted to the win snapping a seven-game stretch without a victory against the Nationals.
Lipka kick started the Hillcats in the first inning with a lead off double. Emerson Landoni then reached on an error. Both runners would come around to score two batters later when Trent Moses doubled to deep center field. The tough start for Nationals right-hander Matt Purke continued in the second inning. Matt Weaver drew a walk to begin the frame. Lipka doubled two batters later scoring Weaver. Emerson Landoni then drove in Lipka with a triple, and later scored on a sac fly to right field off the bat of Josh Elander. The Hillcats led 5-0 going to the bottom of the second.
Potomac notched their first run in the second inning. Kevin Keyes led off with a double. He moved to third on a fly ball to right field and then scored on a ground out to shortstop. The Nationals added another run in the third. Michael Taylor doubled home Caleb Ramsey cutting the Hillcats lead to 5-2.
Hillcats starter Greg Ross tossed six innings and allowed just two runs on his way to the win. He was backed up by Wilson Rivera and Brandon Cunniff out of the bullpen who combined to throw three scoreless innings.
Lynchburg’s offense added insurance runs in the fifth and seventh innings. David Rohm collected an RBI-double in the seventh. The other two runs scored on a wild pitch and error.
Purke suffered the loss for Potomac giving up six runs, five earned, in 4.1 innings of work.
The Hillcats and Nationals will wrap up their series tomorrow night at 6:35pm. Starting for the Hillcats will RHP Jarett Miller (7-5, 3.40) against RHP A.J. Cole (5-3, 4.43) for the Nationals. The Hillcats On-Deck Show powered by Honda/Suzuki of Lynchburg will go on the air at 6:10. Listen live to all the action with Erik Wilson on 97.9 FM The Planet and online at lynchburg-hillcats.com
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Chris Graham
