Kinston, N.C. - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers used a three-run fourth and a three-run fifth to lead them to a 7-0 victory over the Wood Ducks, to even the series at one game apiece.
Kinston, N.C. - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers used a three-run fourth and a three-run fifth to lead them to a 7-0 victory over the Wood Ducks, to even the series at one game apiece.
Down East (34-23, 84-43) were held hitless through the first six and a third innings, before Curtis Terry lined a single to left in the seventh. The Wood Ducks were held to a season-low two hits in the contest.
Scott Engler (loss, 3-1) made his second start of the season, and faced the minimum through the first three innings, picking up four strikeouts in the process. However, Fayetteville got to him in the fourth. Jeremy Pena led off the frame with a double down the left field line, and then moved to third on a wild pitch. Following an infield single from Corey Julks , Chandler Taylor crushed a three-run home run to right field, putting the visitors ahead, 3-0.
Engler worked 3.1 innings giving up three runs on four hits, he didn't walk a batter, and struck out five.
Sam Hellinger made his Carolina League debut for the Wood Ducks, finishing off the fourth inning, but then he walked the first four men he faced in the fifth, pushing across a run. Francisco Villegas took over, and after a strikeout, allowed a two run single to Scott Manea to push the advantage to 6-0.
Shawn Dubin (win, 4-5) went five hitless innings for Fayetteville, giving up just one walk, and struck out six. Nivaldo Rodriguez (save, 2) delivered the final four scoreless innings, giving up two hits and two walks, while striking out five.
Michael Matuella gave up a pair of hits in the ninth inning, and Ross Adolph scored a run on an RBI groundout to put the nail in the coffin.
The Wood Ducks were unable to get a runner past second base in the contest.
The two teams will square off in the rubber game of the series, Thursday at 7 p.m. Right-hander Alex Eubanks (9-4, 3.18) will take the mound for the Woodies, opposed by Fayetteville righty Cody Deason (3-2, 3.41). It's Thirsty Thursday at Grainger Stadium, featuring $1 Busch Light and Natural Light, presented by Budweiser. The broadcast will begin at 6:50 p.m. on 960AM The Bull, and online at 960thebull.com as well as on the MiLB First Pitch and TuneIn Radio Apps. For tickets and more information visit woodducksbaseball.com or call (252) 686-5172.
