Mudcats Drop Home Opener to the Wood Ducks

Down East Wood Ducks, 4 – Carolina Mudcats, 1

Box Score

ZEBULON, NC – The Carolina Mudcats (3-1) were unable to solve the Down East Wood Ducks’ (4-0) for much of Tuesday night’s home opener at Five County Stadium as the Mudcats fell 4-1, ending their three-game winning streak to open 2024.

Down East struck early against Carolina starter Manuel Rodriguez (L, 0-1) thanks to an RBI single from Julian Brock and a run-scoring double for Danyer Cueva with two outs in the first inning. The Wood Ducks padded their lead further in the third on a solo homer for Echedry Vargas to make it 3-0.

Carolina stabilized things in the middle innings with four scoreless innings in the 2024 debut of lefty Osbriel Mogollon, keeping the Mudcats in striking distance. Ryan Lobus (W, 2-0) was equally strong for Down East in relief, but Carolina had their chance came in the eighth when they drew three straight walks to load the bases.

After Juan Baez popped out, Yophery Rodriguez drew a fourth walk from Woodies reliever Case Matter to get the Mudcats on the board. But Down East went to the bullpen and Luke Savage (SV, 2) stepped in to retire Cooper Pratt and Tayden Hall to escape the jam. Savage returned in the ninth and set down all three batters to close the game out.

Both teams will return to action on Wednesday night. RHP Daniel Corniel gets the ball for Carolina while the Wood Ducks send RHP Paul Bozagni to the bump. For the first time in 2024, it’s Dog Day Wednesday at Five County Stadium where fans can bring their canine friends for Bark at the Park and enjoy $2 Bright Leaf hot dogs. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Single-game tickets, season ticket packages, mini plans, group options, as well as luxury suite packages and DRB Homes Sky Lounge reservations in the US Foods Club Level are also still available now by visiting www.carolinamudcats.com, by calling (919) 269-2287, and by visiting the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon.