Lynchburg dropped game one of a twin bill against Potomac at City Stadium, 5-2, but bounced back for a 9-2 victory in the nightcap. The Hillcats scored multiple run in three different innings to claim game two and split the double dip. Francisco Mejia wasted no time extending his hitting streak to 44 games with a line drive single in the first inning of the initial contest.
Lynchburg jumped on Potomac starter Matthew Spann early, scoring three runs in the first inning. Mathias led the inning off with a double, which was followed by an Anthony Santander walk and RBI single by Bobby Bradley. Tyler Krieger stroked a single to drive in the second run of the game, and Taylor Murphy grounded out to give the ‘Cats a 3-0 lead.
The Hillcats batted around in the fourth frame while four runners came around to score. Murphy opened the inning with a solo homer. Sicnarf Loopstok walked and scored on a single by Alex Monsalve, which was followed by a throwing error. Two batters later, Connor Marabell singled to plate two more runs and give the ‘Cats a 7-2 lead. Lynchburg tacked on two more runs in the fifth inning thanks to a Santander single.
Dominic DeMasi started the game for Lynchburg and tossed four innings while only allowing one earned run. Mitch Brown was the first out of the ‘pen and earned his third win of the season. The righty struck out three batters during his outing. Jordan Milbrath closed the game out with a perfect final frame. The recently turned 25-year-old struck out two.
Mark Mathias and Francisco Mejia were the culprits behind both Hillcats runs in the opening contest. In the first, Mathias was hit by a pitch to reach base. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on Mejia’s single. The ‘Cats scored their second run of the game in the fifth inning after Mathias reached on a throwing error. Heads-up base running put Mathias on third after he took an extra base on a wild pitch. Mejia singled up the middle with the infield in to drive in Mathias and make the score 2-1.
Mejia was 2-3 with two RBIs and a walk. Mathias, who celebrated his 22nd birthday Tuesday, recorded both runs for the Hillcats and extended his on-base streak to seven games. Anthony Santander reached base three times, once via a single and twice via walks.
The Nationals wasted no time taking the lead in the contest. Osvaldo Abreu singled and scored on a double by Raudy Read.After the double Potomac was held silent by Jared Robinson. The Lynchburg starter retired the next 11 batters in order. The righty ran into trouble in the seventh, surrendering a leadoff home run to Austin Davidson to tie the game at 2-all. Alec Kellerand Abreu singled to knock Robinson out of the contest.
Billy Strode entered the game and walked a batter to load the bases. Matt Reistetter singled to drive in two runners and give the Nationals a 4-2 lead. Matthew Page singled to plate one more run before Santander threw out the next runner at the plate.
Lynchburg owns the best record in the Carolina League in doubleheaders at 9-3 (.750)…Anthony Santander has 10 RBIs in doubleheader contests when he play both games, which he has done four times…Francisco Mejia has extended his hitting streak in his first plate appearance in 11 of his 20 games as a Hillcat.
Lynchburg sends Matt Esparza (0-1, 3.00) to the mound Wednesday against Boone Whiting (8-2, 3.47) at 6:30 p.m. 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 at6:15 p.m.
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Chris Graham
