For the third straight game, the Hillcats got a quality start, this time from Zach Plesac, as the right hander faced just one over the minimum in seven innings and helped Lynchburg to a 4-1 win and a series sweep over Frederick on Wednesday.
Plesac (Win, 1-1) retired ten consecutive Keys hitters at one point, and was able to locate his fastball, breaking ball, and changeup for strikes throughout the day. He finished the afternoon allowing just one walk and three hits over seven innings, and recorded his second consecutive quality start.
The Hillcats gave Plesac the lead in the third inning. After Keys starter Cristian Alvarado (loss, 2-1) retired the first two batters on two pitches, Luke Wakamatsu ignited a rally with a two out walk. Conner Capel followed with a single to center, and then Emmanuel Tapia laced a single through the right side to drive in Wakamatsu from second for the 1-0 edge.
The Keys would tie the game at 1-1 in the fifth. Randolph Gassaway reached on an infield single on a slow roller to shortstop to lead off the frame. After two productive outs for Frederick, Gassaway stood at third base with Jake Ring at the plate. Ring, too, was able to get aboard on an infield hit, bringing home Gassaway to tie the score.
The Hillcats used another two out rally in their half of the fifth. Capel skied a ball to shallow left-center field, but Cole Billingsley lost it in the sun, resulting in a double. Tapia followed, and cashed in on the miscue. The Hillcats first baseman blasted his first home run of the season, a line drive shot off the scoreboard in right field, to put Lynchburg back in front, 3-1. Tapia drove in three of the four runs on the afternoon.
After Anderson Polanco worked around a leadoff walk in the eighth, the Hillcats once again plated an insurance run. With one away, Jodd Carter walked, and with two outs, stole second. Dillon Persinger bounced a ball to shortstop which looked like it would end the inning, but the throw from Alejandro Juvier was low and got away to allow Carter to come home from second, extending the lead to 4-1.
Kieran Lovegrove (Save, 1) came in to work a three up three down ninth inning, picking up a strikeout and solidifying the win.
For the third game in a row the Hillcats finished with double-digit hits, outhitting the Keys 31-14 in the series. Lynchburg has now won three in a row for the first time this season.
Next up for Lynchburg will be a trip to Potomac for a four-game series beginning at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday. Lefty Tanner Tully (1-0, 1.50) will start for Lynchburg against P-Nats righty Wil Crowe (2-0, 3.60).
Max Gun and Matt Present will be on the air at 6:55 p.m. from Potomac on TuneIn Radio as well as the Radio434 App.
For tickets and more information visit lynchburg-hillcats.com, the City Stadium ticket office, or call 434-528-1144.
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