Mudcats Open Trip in Potomac with 3-1 Loss

WOODBRIDGE, VA - Dustin Peterson doubled and scored a run in the fourth, Seth Webster turned in a quality start with three runs allowed over seven innings pitched, but the Mudcats fell short in a 3-1 series opening loss to the Nationals in Potomac on Sunday night.

Seth Webster started for Carolina (37-36, 3-1) and allowed three runs over seven quality innings pitched. The Nationals (34-49, 1-2) pounded out 10 hits against Webster (L, 3-4, 2.96) and scored runs in the fifth and sixth to tie and later take the lead.

Peterson scored the first run of the game in the fourth after doubling to start the inning against Potomac starter Phillips Valdez. He moved to third when Jacob Schrader hit into a double play and then scored on a wild pitch lost by Valdez. Peterson was 1-for-4 with a run and a double in the loss. Jose Briceno was 2-for-4 and has had two or more hits in three of his last four games.

Carolina led 1-0 after Valdez's wild pitch plated Peterson, but that was their only run scored of the game. Valdez (W, 2-2, 5.34) pitched through the sixth and allowed just four hits and struck out six while earning the win.

Wander Suero followed Valdez out of the bullpen and kept the Mudcats to a hit over two scoreless innings. Nick Lee (S, 9) closed the game and left runners at first and second in the ninth while earning his ninth save of the season.

The Mudcats finished the game 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base in the loss. The loss snapped Carolina's three game winning streak and was the fourth straight for the Mudcats at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium.

The Nationals were 2-for-5 with runners in scoring position and had run scoring hits from Stephen Perez, John Wooten and Adrian Sanchez in the win. Sanchez drove in Brandon Miller with a two-out double to tie the game in the fifth. Perez drove in the go ahead run in the sixth with a sacrifice fly to center.

Justin Jackson, who was activated off the disabled before the game, pitched the eighth in relief of Webster and kept the Nationals scoreless while allowing one hit, walking one and striking out one.

The series continues on Monday night with Cary, N.C. native Max Povse starting for the Mudcats against Potomac's John Simms. The first pitch from G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

All games air on the Mudcats Radio Network, The Big Dawg 98.5 FM, Rock City 99.3 FM and Sports 1490 AM. Games are also streamed online at www.carolinamudcats.com via TuneIn Radio and the TuneIn Radio app. TuneIn Radio is the official digital audio partner of MiLB.com.

Carolina's second homestand of the second half begins on July 1 and will feature the highly anticipated "Mudcats for America" series and four straight nights of postgame fireworks on July 2, July 3, July 4 and July 5.

The Mudcats will host the Winston-Salem Dash from July 1 through July 3 and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans from July 4 through July 6. Seating for the "Mudcats for America" series is limited. Tickets, however, are still available online at www.carolinamudcats.com, by calling (919) 269-2287 and by visiting the Five County Stadium box office.

The Carolina Mudcats are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The 2015 "Braves New World" season is the first for the Mudcats as an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and their fourth straight in the historic Carolina League. First established in 1991, the Carolina Mudcats are entering their 25th straight season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. Fans can purchase tickets or find more information by calling (919) 269-2287 or by visiting www.carolinamudcats.com.

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