Thomas Pannone pitched a career-high seven scoreless innings while striking out eight batters to lead the Hillcats to a 4-0 win over Salem Monday at City Stadium. With the victory, Lynchburg tied Potomac for the second-half Northern Division title, meaning Potomac will host the first game of the playoffs Wednesday before the series heads to Calvin Falwell Field.
Three Hillcat pitchers combined for Lynchburg’s Carolina League-high 14th shutout of the season. Thomas Pannone set the tone early for Lynchburg as he struck out four batters through just three innings. The lefty only faced four batters over the minimum during his outing. It was the first contest he has factored into the decision since his very first start back on July 21against Carolina. Pannone extended his scoreless innings streak to 17 2/3.
Leandro Linares used just eight pitches to get through a perfect eighth inning in his brief appearance. Justin Garcia wrapped up the game with a 1-2-3 ninth frame. The pitching staff limited Salem to just three hits, which is the lowest for the staff since thatJuly 21 game against the Mudcats.
Lynchburg tallied all of its runs in the first inning, which was jumpstarted by a double from Francisco Mejia. Dorssys Paulino walked as Mejia advanced on a passed ball to put runners on the corners with one out. Bobby Bradley grounded into a force out, but Mejia scored to make the score, 1-0. Yu-Cheng Chang was hit by a pitch to reach base for the ‘Cats. Connor Marabell proceeded to single and drive in another run while reaching second base on an error. Taylor Murphy doubled over the center fielder’s head to plate two runs and give the Hillcats a 4-0 lead.
The Hillcats improved to 42-17 when scoring in the first inning…When the ‘Cats score the first run of the game they are now 61-17…Lynchburg snapped a six-game losing streak against Salem and wrapped up the season with a record of 10-16 against the Red Sox…The Hillcats finished with a 42-29 record at home.
Lynchburg enjoys a day off tomorrow before gearing up for the first game of the playoffs at Potomac at 7:05 p.m. Matt Esparza (2-4, 3.92) will be on the mound for the Hillcats. Fans can listen to the action on 93.3 FM and 1320 AM as well as www.lynchburg-hillcats.com, beginning with the Hillcats On-Deck Show at 6:45 p.m.
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Chris Graham
