Mudcats Halt Keys Four-Game Winning Streak

ZEBULON, NC -The Carolina Mudcats used a pair of multi-run innings and strong starting pitching from Shawn Morimando to hand the Frederick Keys a 6-1 loss on Sunday afternoon at Five County Stadium. It was the club's first loss since last Monday, and snapped a season-best four-game winning streak. After 16 contests, the Keys are 7-9 on the year.

Parker Bridwell struggled with command early, hitting the first batter he faced, and then walking the second on four pitches. From there, Todd Hankins and Ollie Linton executed a double-steal, to set the table for Anthony Gallas, who brought Hankins home on a fielder's choice.

In the second, the Mudcats stretched the lead by a run. Torsten Boss earned a walk following a 12-pitch at-bat, and scored on a double to the rightfield corner by Charlie Valerio.

Bridwell (0-1) worked a clean third, and got one run back in the fourth. After stroking a double to right in the second, Creede Simpson added his first longball of the year, a solo-shot to left.   

However, the Mudcats offense answered one inning later. With two outs, Gallas doubled home Linton from first, and Monsalve plated one more via a base hit to end Bridwell's afternoon. Tagged with his second loss of the year, the righty gave up four runs on four hits over 4.2 innings. He walked four and struck out four.

Carolina completed its scoring in the seventh, adding two more runs off Miguel Chalas. Once again, the home team came through with two outs. Erik Gonzalez got things rolling with an infield single, trotted to second on a base-hit by Gallas and scored on a two-run double by Monsalve to make it 6-1. On the game, the Muddies DH went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while Gallas finished the day 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.

On the mound, Morimando (2-0) tossed six innings of one-run baseball for the Muddies. He scattered six hits and struck out five.

At the plate, Simpson paced the Keys going 2-for-4 with a homer, double, RBI and run scored. Michael Burgess also finished 2-for-4.

Frederick and Carolina play a doubleheader on Monday afternoon. Lefty Matt Taylor starts game one for the Keys and will be opposed by righty Michael Peoples. In game two, right-hander Jesse Beal tangles with Mudcats lefty Ryan Merritt (2-0, 0.52). First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. and fans can listen to the broadcast on 1450 AM The Source and on frederickkeys.com. The Keys returns home on April 23, when the Myrtle Beach Pelicans visit Harry Grove Stadium. For ticket information, please call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.