Chavez RBI-Double Leads Keys
Keys designated hitter Zane Chavez's RBI-double in the top of the 11th broke a tie ballgame and sent the Keys to a series opening win at Carolina Friday night. The win pushes the Keys even with Lynchburg atop the Carolina League North.
The win was especially fulfilling after a heartbreaking 15-inning defeat by the same 4-3 score to Myrtle Beach yesterday.
Tied in the 11th, left-fielder Johnny Ruettiger battled for a nine-pitch walk. A sacrifice bunt moved him to second base by Sammie Starr. Then Chavez stepped up and laced a ball to left-center field reaching the alleyway as Ruettiger trotted home with the winning run. Keys reliever Marcel Prado worked the only 1-2-3 inning for Keys pitching on the night for his second save.
Keys reliever Tommy Winegardner got the win in his Carolina League debut with two scoreless innings. He followed Jesse Beal who also authored two scoreless frames. Those were largely intact because of the arm of right fielder Steve Bumbry who threw out runners at home and second base in the seventh and ninth innings respectively.
The Keys took the lead with three consecutive hits to open the first inning. They plated two runs but Carolina scored two off of starter Tim Berry to knot the game through an inning. Berry allowed three runs in six innings in a no-decision. The Keys did not lead the game again until the 11th inning.
Frederick returns home Friday, May 10th for Casino Night with Fireworks following the game presented by Heartfields of Frederick . For tickets call 301-815-9939 or visit online at frederickkeys.com.