Suns cruise to 10-1 win over BlueClaws

HAGERSTOWN, MD - The Hagerstown Suns (13-7, 57-33) scored eight runs over two innings on Tuesday night, cruising past the Lakewood BlueClaws (6-13, 33-56) for a 10-1 win. Hagerstown is now 4-1 on its current six-game homestand.

 

The Suns led 2-1 heading into the sixth inning on Tuesday, and that's when the offensive onslaught began. Left fielder Isaac Ballou drew a one-out walk, and moved to third on a single to right by catcher Spencer Kieboom. Third baseman Drew Ward then grounded out to first, driving home Ballou to make it 3-1. Kieboom went to second on the groundout, and over to third on an infield single to third by 1B Carlos Lopez. Lakewood 3B Mitch Walding committed a throwing error trying to get Lopez out at first, which allowed Kieboom to trot home and make it 4-1. The final run in the frame was scored by Lopez on a passed ball to cap the three-run inning.

 

The very next inning Hagerstown put the game to bed with a five-run frame. A one-out walk again began the rally, though this time it was issued to CF Rafael Bautista. An infield single and a hit batsman followed to load the bases. Kieboom kept the line moving with a single up the middle to plate the first run of the inning and keep the bases loaded. Ward then singled off the leg of LHP Christopher O'Hare to again drive in a run and keep the bases juiced. A passed ball, a groundout, and a wild pitch led the three men aboard to all come home and give Hagerstown it first 10-run game since June 19.

 

The one Lakewood run crossed the plate in the fourth thanks to an RBI double off the bat of 1B Zach Green. That cut what had been a 2-0 lead in half, as the Suns plated a run each in the first and third. In the first Kieboom drove in a run with a groundout to third. In the third 2B Wilmer Difo brought in a run with a sacrifice fly to right.

 

Starting RHP Jake Johansen (5-3) worked 6.2 innings for Hagerstown to get the win. He allowed one earned run on five hits and two walks while striking out five. Starting RHP Tyler Viza (3-12) suffered the loss for the BlueClaws. He went six innings, surrendering five runs (three earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out four.

 

These two teams conclude their three-game series at Municipal Stadium on Wednesday July 9. The Suns will send LHP Brett Mooneyham (1-0) to the mound for his fourth start and appearance of the year with Hagerstown. He will square off against RHP Jesen Therrien (2-0) for Lakewood. First pitch is scheduled for 10:35am.