The Frederick Keys held the Potomac Nationals’ offense in check for seven innings, and stood six outs away from the Carolina League championship series. But Potomac rallied for six runs in the eighth and came from behind for a 6-1 win that sent the Northern Division Series to a deciding Game Five Monday in Frederick.
Ryohei Tanaka kept the Nationals at bay for six innings; he allowed just two hits and departed with Frederick in front 1-0. Justin Moore retired the Nationals in the seventh, but hit a wall in the eighth.
Eury Perez bounced a single on the infield to start the inning before Francisco Soriano walked. Jeff Kobernus squared to bunt, and was hit by a pitch on the right wrist to load the bases. With the infield drawn in, Destin Hood bounced a single through the middle into centerfield to give the Nationals the lead. Jose Lozada then singled two home, and a Zach Walters triple to right field made it 6-1.
Adam Olbrychowski kept the Nationals in the game with an outstanding start. He went five and a third innings, allowed just one run on six hits and struck out five. The Keys only run came in the fourth, when Brian Ward singled home Mike Flacco.
Neil Holland, Joe Testa and Cameron Selik kept it a 1-0 ball game before the offense went to work in the eighth.
Hector Nelo came on in the ninth. He allowed a one-out double to Ward but retired Glynn Davis and Bobby Stevens to wrap up the win.
Game Five is set for 7 P.M. in Frederick on Monday night.
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Chris Graham
