P-Nats shut out by Keys

A four-run first inning doomed the Potomac Nationals on Friday night against their division rivals Frederick Keys, and they were shut out 4-0.

The P-Nats starting pitcher Cameron Selik has struggled in the first inning all season long, and Friday night was no different. Just three pitches into his 13th start, Frederick’s leadoff hitter Steve Bumbry launched his sixth home run of the season.

Selik’s troubles continued when the Keys loaded the bases on back-to-back singles and a walk. The next batter, Miguel Abreu, smashed a first-pitch fastball deep to centerfield that fell just short of the wall and bounced up and over for a 2-run automatic double that increased the Keys’ lead to 3-0. They tacked on another run on a Brian Ward sacrifice fly and led 4-0 after half an inning.

Selik settled in after the first, though, and he retired 17 of the last 18 batters he faced, including four strikeouts. He exited the game after 6 innings; he allowed four runs, a walk and struck out four.

Selik’s counterpart, Bobby Bundy, came in to Friday night tied for the league lead with 10 wins. He lived up to the hype and dominated the Nationals, who failed to get a runner to second base in his seven innings. Bundy allowed just three hits, walked one and struck out three; he needed just 80 pitches to get 21 outs.

Shortly after Bundy left the game, Potomac showed a bit of life in the 8th, thanks to a one-out automatic double by J.R. Higley. Keys reliever Will Startup retired the next two hitters, Higley was stranded at second, and the score remained 4-0.

The P-Nats opened the ninth with a bunt single by Eury Perez. But Startup retired the next three hitters to close out the 4-0 victory.

Bundy (11-6) was credited with the win and is now in sole possession of the league lead in wins. Selik (4-7) was given the loss in the contest.

Game Two of the three-game series against the Keys is set for Saturday at 6:35. Potomac will send Adam Olbrychowski (3-5) to the hill against Frederick’s Nathan Moreau (10-7).