Lynchburg stays hot

LHP Dimasther Delgado earned his eighth win of the season Thursday night allowing just one run through five innings on four hits. Four runs proved to be plenty of support as the Hillcats took the series opener. The ‘Cats have now won seven of their last nine contests.

The Hillcats tallied four hits in the second inning and took the early lead. Barrett Kleinknecht doubled in Marcus Lemon to put the ‘Cats on the board. Keenan Wiley then hit into a fielder’s choice that saw Kleinknecht get tagged out at third. Todd Cunningham and Andrelton Simmons followed with back-to-back singles, the latter scoring Wiley. The ‘Cats led 2-0.

In the third the Blue Rocks fought back with three of their six hits on the night. Three straight singles strung together by Deivy Batista, Yem Prades, and Carlo Testa plated a run with two outs. Wilmington still trailed 2-1.

Three more hits for Lynchburg plated another pair of runs in the fourth. Cunningham started the rally with an infield single to third with one out. Simmons then popped up a bunt to the catcher. With two outs, Phil Gosselin triple to the left center field gap scoring Cunningham from first. Joe Leonard followed with a ground rule double over the left field wall, and Gosselin scored. The Hillcats led 4-1.

Delgado (8-7) finished five innings and left with the 4-1 lead. Jeremy Haynes, Mark Lamm, and Eliecer Cardenas combined for four scoreless innings of relief behind the starter, securing the win for Delgado. Haynes and Lamm both earned holds, while Cardenas recorded his fifth save of the season.

The Hillcats have won each of their last four series, and are off on the right foot taking the opener in Wilmington for a fifth. Prior to this recent stretch Lynchburg had not won more than two series in a row all year.

Lynchburg is now 20-26 in the second half, four games back of a playoff spot, as they chase the Potomac Nationals in the Northern Division.

Wilmington hosts the ‘Cats again Friday at 7:05 pm. LHP Matt Crim (1-6) will start for Lynchburg against RHP Tyler Sample (6-10) for the Blue Rocks.

Listen live to all the action starting with the Hillcats On-Deck Show powered by Honda/Suzuki of Lynchburg 105.5 KD Country and online at lynchburg-hillcats.com