Hernandez Strikes Out Ten, Wood Ducks Fall Late

ZEBULON, NC -Jonathan Hernández turned in his second straight start with double-digit strikeouts along with six shutout innings in a no decision, as the Wood Ducks (26-20) fell to the Mudcats (23-23) in extras, 2-1. 

Hernandez collected ten strikeouts, one short of his career-high, in his second straight start against the Mudcats. He only allowed two hits (one infield hit) on 87 pitches and 55 for strikes. The right-hander ended 14 of his 22 counts with two strikes in his start.
Down East could not get the bats going as they only managed four hits - all singles. Their only run came in the fourth inning with runners on the corners. Chuck Leblanc hit chopper that was knocked down on the mound by Carolina starter Braden Webb. He tried to turn two, but botched the throw to second and Leody Taveras scored from third.
The Woodies went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position as they drew seven walks in the defeat. After Hernandez exited, Anthony Goes and Jacob Shortslef each worked a scoreless inning of relief.
Jacob Lemoine was called for the ninth and allowed a leadoff double to Tucker Neuhaus. He managed a popout and strikeout two nearly wiggle out of the jam. Cooper Hummel would hit a single to right and Josh Altmann fired home on one hop. Matt Whatley fielded the throw and applied the tag, but Neuhaus was deemed safe.
In the top of the tenth, the Wood Ducks could not manage a run as the Mudcats had a chance to walk-off for the second time this season against Down East. After intentionally walking Keston Hiura to load the bases with one out, Neuhaus would bloop a single to left center to win the game for Carolina.
Down East looks for the split on Thursday night at Five County Stadium with right-hander Michael Matuella (1-3, 8.04) against Carolina League ERA leader, Cam Roegner. The southpaw has a 0.76 mark and a 5-1 record. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.