Suns walk-off with 2-1 win over Braves

HAGERSTOWN, M.D. - The Hagerstown Suns (2-0) used a ninth inning rally to come from behind and defeat the Rome Braves (0-2) on Friday night 2-1. The win insures the Suns at least a split of the season series with Rome.

 

With the Suns down to their final out, CF Rafael Bautista delivered a double to the gap in right-center field, which drove in RF Wilman Rodriguez from second base and pinch runner Estarlin Martinez from first. Rodriguez got the rally going in the ninth with a one-out single to left. With two outs, catcher Craig Manuel (who Martinez came in to pinch run for) drew a walk to bring Bautista to the plate.

 

The lone Braves run scored in the eighth inning. Right fielder Victor Reyes drew a leadoff walk, and two batters later catcher Bryan De La Rosa drew another walk to put runners on first and second with one out. Following a pitching change, CF Blake Brown doubled on a line drive to center field to drive in Reyes and put Rome ahead 1-0.

 

It was RHP L.J. Hollins (1-0) who gave up the double to Brown, yet earned the win for the Suns. The Braves run was charged to LHP Jake Walsh, who pitched 2.1 innings in relief for Hagerstown, walking two and striking out one. Suns starting RHP Austin Voth went five innings and gave up two hits and two walks while striking out seven.

 

RHP Tyler Brosius (0-1) was charged with the loss for Rome while also recording a hold. He pitched 1.2 innings, exiting the game in the ninth with two outs and two on. RHP Race Parmenter gave up the double to Bautista on the first pitch he threw after entering the game, meaning he got charged with the blown save. LHP Chuck Buchanan started for Rome and went five innings, surrendering three hits and two walks while striking out five.

 

These two teams will battle again Saturday evening in Hagerstown when the Suns will send RHP Lucas Giolito (0-0) to the mound. He will square off against RHP Carlos Salazar (0-0) for Rome. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05pm.