Schlosser shines in Lynchburg win

The Gus Schlosser Show was in full swing at Lynchburg City Stadium Sunday afternoon. Schlosser headlined the game with a magnificent performance in his 8.0 scoreless innings in a performance that saw him retire 14 consecutive batters including 18 of 19. The ‘Cats offense awoke for 12 hits and five runs that included two home runs in the 5-0 victory over Frederick.

Schlosser set the tone early in the top of the first striking out the first two batters of the game.

Schlosser’s offense gave him a lead to work with in the bottom half of the frame. Nick Ahmed reached on a fielder’s choice and stole his league-leading 20th base of the season. Tommy La Stella got his 36th RBI of the season with a double out to right field to score Ahmed and give the ‘Cats the early lead.

The top of the second saw Michael Flacco get the first of the Keys hits on the day. From there, Schlosser would lock in and retire the next 14 batters he would face.

Offensively, the ‘Cats started the bottom of the inning with a Chris Garcia single. Then a deep drive to right-center field off of David Rohm’s bat would plate Garcia to give Lynchburg a 2-0 lead. Rohm would get caught rounding second when Flacco cut off the relay throw.

Lynchburg’s offense was quiet until the fifth when La Stella reached to start the inning. He got to second on a fielder’s choice, then Edward Salcedo got his first hit of the day that scored La Stella to give the ‘Cats a 3-0 cushion.

A power surge hit the Hillcats offense in the 6th and 7th innings when Ahmed and Adam Milligan each hit a solo shot. Those would be the last two runs either offense would score.

In the ninth the Hillcats sent Chasen Shreve in to complete Schlosser’s gem, which he did fairly easily. It was the fourth time the Hillcats have shut out an opponent.

Gus Schlosser (7-3), in one of the best appearances for Hillcats this season, went 8.0 spectacular innings, allowing just three hits and fanning five. The loss was given to Rick Zagone (3-1) for the first time this season. He labored through 5.0 innings, giving up eight hits, striking out four and walking four. The first three runs of the game were charged to the lefty.