Two hits and three RBIs from Nellie Rodriguez and a quality start from Luis Lugo led Lynchburg to a series-opening win over the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Friday night. The win is Lugo’s first of the year and the Hillcats’ third in a row.
After an hour and two minute rain delay before the first pitch, Wilmington took the lead in the first on the strength of two hits and two walks. Ramon Torres started the game with a double down the left field line, Mauricio Ramos walked, and Frank Schwindel loaded the bases with a single to right. Robert Pehl pushed the first run across with a walk to make it 1-0 Blue Rocks.
Lynchburg answered back in the fourth when Bradley Zimmer lined a ball over the second baseman and hustled into second with a one-out double.Nellie Rodriguez tied things up at one a batter later with a single to left field.
Rodriguez later gave the Hillcats the lead in the sixth with a two-run double that scored Clint Frazier from second and Zimmer all the way from first to make it 3-1.
Luis Lugo earned his first win of the season with six innings quality start. He allowed a run on four hits and struck out five in his second start since coming off the Disabled List.
The Hillcats weren’t quite finished scoring after six, as Clint Frazier knocked in Ivan Castillo with a sacrifice fly in the seventh.
Mason Radeke picked up his first save of the season. He allowed one hit in the ninth and closed out a 4-1 win for the ‘Cats.
Saturday night’s game against the Wilmington Blue Rocks is filled with promotions. Not only is it a fireworks night presented by Member One Federal Credit Union, it’s also the second Reading Night of the season presented by Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontic of Lynchburg, Amherst Dixie Youth Night, and Sports Clips Help a Hero Haircuts night. First pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m. Fans that can’t make it out to the ballpark can tune in to ESPN Radio Virginia 93.3 FM and 1320 AM beginning at 6:10 p.m. for the Hillcats’ On-Deck Show.
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Chris Graham
