Eli Morgan (Loss, 7-7) tossed seven strong innings, giving up just one run, but was out-dueled by the combination of Nick Raquet (Win, 3-3) and Ben Bramer (Save, 2) as the Hillcats were shut out in the finale, 1-0, by Potomac on Thursday.
It was the first time that the Hillcats (65-60), have been shut out since they fell 1-0 in Myrtle Beach on July 28, and the first time they have been blanked by the Nationals (66-59, 29-28) in 19 meetings this season.
Potomac struck for the only run of the ballgame in the top of the fourth inning. Ian Sagdal led off the inning with a double to the warning track in right field, and two batters later, Rhett Wiseman drove him in with a double in the same direction.
Morgan fired seven innings allowing just the one run. He gave up five hits and struck out seven, while walking just one batter. The seven innings matched a career-high.
Raquet was excellent for Potomac out of the gate. He fired five innings, giving up just three hits, while walking one and striking out four. He retired ten of the final 11 batters he faced.
Braymer took over in relief and he was superb. The lefty fired the final four innings, giving up just one hit and one walk, while striking out eight. At one point he retired nine in a row.
Jared Robinson also pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen for Lynchburg. The Hillcats were held to just six hits over the final 16 innings of the series.
The matchup heads to Woodbridge for a three-game weekend set, beginning at 7:05 p.m. on Friday. Left-hander Kirk McCarty (1-0, 0.69) will take the ball for the Hillcats, facing off with righty Joan Baez (7-9, 4.12) for the P-Nats.
Max Gun and Matt Present get you set with pregame coverage beginning at 6:55 p.m. on TuneIn Radio and Radio434.
The Hillcats will return home for the final homestand of the regular season Monday through Thursday at City Stadium against the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Thursday will be Fan Appreciation Day at the ballpark, featuring a patriotic hat giveaway to the first 1,000 fans, courtesy of Foster Fuels and KD Country. Fans will be treated to various giveaways and concessions deals throughout the game and the night will be capped off with the final post-game fireworks display of the season, presented by Central Virginia Federal Credit Union
Fan Appreciation Night will also be the final Thirsty Thursday at City Stadium in 2018, featuring $2 Miller Lite and Yuengling drafts.
For tickets and more information visit lychburg-hillcats.com, the City Stadium box office, or call 434-528-1144.
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Chris Graham
