Suns' Lopez continues dominant stretch

Reynaldo Lopez continued his impressive second act in the South Atlantic League on Wednesday.

The Nationals prospect allowed two hits over six innings to extend his scoreless streak to 23 since returning to Hagerstown as the Suns edged Delmarva, 2-1, in 10 innings in the first game of doubleheader.

Lopez, who did not figure in the decision, struck out five without issuing a walk and has not given up a run in four starts since rejoining the Suns from Short-Season Auburn.

After beginning the season in extended spring training, the 20-year-old right-hander surrendered six runs on 12 hits over 7 2/3 innings in his first two starts with the Suns. Assigned to the New York-Penn League, he hit his stride. In seven starts, Lopez yielded five runs -- three earned -- on 15 hits over 36 innings and was named Pitcher of the Week on June 29.

"I think for him the sky is the limit," Auburn pitching coach Tim Redding said after Lopez fanned eight over 5 2/3 hitless innings on June 26. "Big league prospect in my eyes, for sure."

Dating back to his time with the Doubledays, the native of the Dominican Republic has not allowed an earned run in 37 frames; he's yielded one earned run over his last 50 innings.

In his latest gem, Lopez worked around singles by Orioles No. 3 prospect Chance Sisco and Jeff Kemp. He induced 12 groundouts, allowed one Shorebird to reach scoring position and retired his final nine batters.

Lopez sports a 2-0 record and has given up nine hits over 23 innings in four starts since rejoining the Suns.

Sam Johns came on in the seventh and allowed the tying run before escaping a bases-loaded jam. David Napoli (2-0) gave up two hits and a walk over two innings and got the win after Wilman Rodriguez led off the 10th with his second homer of the season.