The Lynchburg Hillcats used a seven-run seventh inning to come from behind to beat the Frederick Keys, 8-1, on Saturday.
The seven-run frame for the Hillcats (6-4, 35-42) are the most they have scored in an inning this season, as the team handed the Keys (3-7, 38-41) their third straight loss.
Sam Hentges (Win, 5-5) set a new career high by pitching eight innings. The left-hander allowed just one run on seven hits, striking out three.
Down 1-0 entering the seventh, Lynchburg’s offense exploded for seven runs on six hits in the inning, sending 11 batters to the plate.
Jodd Carter led off with a double and advanced to third on a groundout. Anthony Miller walked to put runners at the corners, and Dillon Persinger followed by reaching on an RBI bunt single, plating Carter to tie the game. Persinger took second base on a throwing error by Matt Trowbridge (Loss, 2-1). The next hitter, Ernie Clement, lined a two-run single to center field, scoring Miller and Persinger to give Lynchburg a 3-1 lead. Later in the frame, Li-Jen Chu blasted a three-run home run, his fifth of the season, to push the advantage to 6-1. After Trenton Brooks doubled, Carter drove him home with an RBI single, his second hit of the inning.
Carter added another RBI single in the ninth to cap the night’s scoring.
Frederick took an early 1-0 in the third on a Cole Billingsley RBI double.
Keys starter Lucas Humpal fired 5.2 scoreless innings before turning over the game to the bullpen. Trowbridge allowed five earned runs on three hits, while walking two in 0.2 innings. Isaac Silva was tagged for three earned runs on six hits in 2.1 frames.
The series continues on Sunday with the second game of the four-game series. Left-hander Tanner Tully (2-8, 5.06) will start for Lynchburg against Keys southpaw Zac Lowther (3-0, 0.71). First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Nymeo Field.
Max Gun and Matt Present will be on the air beginning at 1:50 p.m. with the Hillcats pregame show, on TuneIn Radio and Radio434.
The Hillcats return home on July 4 against the Wilmington Blue Rocks, for the start of a nine-game home stand. The game on July 4 will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the gates opening at a special time of 4 p.m. The Sandbar Band, a Jimmy Buffett cover band, will be live at City Stadium performing from 4 p.m. until approximately 6:15 p.m. After the game, fans will enjoy a special Independence Day fireworks show, presented by Kroger and Westover Dairy.
For tickets and more information visit lynchburg-hillcats.com, the City Stadium box office, or call 434-528-1144.
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Chris Graham
