Keys blank Lynchburg Hillcats, win in extras, 1-0

The Lynchburg Hillcats scattered just four hits and fell in extra innings, 1-0, to the Frederick Keys on Monday night.

The Hillcats (27-32) drop to 1-3 in extra-inning contests this season after losing to the Keys (26-34).

With T.J. Nichting starting the tenth inning at second base due to the new Minor League Baseball rule, Chris Clare blooped a walk-off single to right field off of Jared Robinson (Loss, 1-2) to score Nichting and win the game.

Lynchburg loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the tenth inning, but Zach Muckenhirn (Win, 1-1) struck out Emmanuel Tapia to end the threat.

Prior to the tenth inning, neither team had a runner reach second base on the night.

Sam Hentges started for Lynchburg, and pitched a career-high 6.2 innings in shutout fashion. He allowed just four hits and struck out six.

Keys starter Alex Wells logged eight shutout innings, while giving up three hits and striking out a career-high nine. He retired 16 of the final 17 batters he faced.

The Hillcats series against the Keys continues on Tuesday with a double-header. Southpaw Tanner Tully (2-6, 5.61) will start Game One for Lynchburg against Frederick’s right-hander Michael Baumann (3-0, 1.88). In Game Two, righty Micah Miniard (1-1, 5.02) gets the call for the Hillcats, opposite of Keys right-hander Lucas Humpal (1-6, 5.82). First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Nymeo Field.

Max Gun and Matt Present will be on the air at 4:50 p.m. with the Hillcats pre-game show on TuneIn Radio and the Radio434 App.

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