Vader Shines, Keys Use Home Run Ball to Take Series

FREDERICK, MD -For the second time in four games, Frederick Keys pitching held their opposition to only two hits, while the orange and black used a pair of home runs to top the Lynchburg Hillcats 6-1 on Saturday night at Harry Grove Stadium. It was the Keys third straight victory, as well as the club's third straight win at home, making it the first time the team has taken three in-a-row at the friendly confines in the second-half. With 17 games remaining, Frederick is 56-64 and 24-29 in the second-half.

Coming off back-to-back quality appearances against Wilmington, Sebastian Vader showed no letdown against the Hillcats. The right-hander faced only one over the minimum through three innings and did not allow a hit until the fourth. In total, Vader (2-4) gave up just two hits and one run before departing after six innings. He walked three and struck out four, to earn his first victory since July 6-which came in his Carolina League debut against the Hillcats.

Vader's counterpart, Jarrett Miller, posted goose eggs through three innings, before the Keys got to him in the fourth. With a runner at first, Tucker Nathans smacked his second home run of the year to left. Jose Martinez made a bid to rob Nathans, but the ball landed just beyond his outstretched glove. Two innings later, Trey Mancini slugged a solo homer to make it 3-1. It was his second dinger in as many nights.

Mancini's home run helped restore the Keys lead to a pair after a single by Daniel Carroll, a stolen base and an RBI fielder's choice by Kevin Ahrens. In the seventh, that advantage would grow by another run thanks to a triple by Jerome Pena and an RBI single by Adrian Marin.

Ahead 4-1, Frederick tacked on two more in the eighth. With two outs, Wynston Sawyer coaxed a walk from Mauricio Cabrera. He moved to third on a double by Brenden Webb, while both scored on a single by Pena. Dennis Torres faced the minimum over three innings to earn his sixth save. He struck out one.

The Keys go for the sweep on Sunday afternoon at Harry Grove Stadium. Mark Blackmar (7-1, 3.21) makes the start for Frederick and will be countered by Lynchburg lefty Blair Walters (4-0, 2.79). First pitch is slated for 2:00 p.m. and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source. For tickets, fans can call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.