Gomez’s Blast Lifts Woodpeckers Past FredNats in Series Opener

Fredericksburg, VA – With Tuesday night’s game at Virginia Credit Union Stadium deadlocked at 0-0 after seven innings, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (7-3) needed a big swing. They quickly got it from outfielder Kenni Gomez.

The 18-year-old took the first pitch he saw in the top of the eighth over the wall in right field for his first Single-A home run. The solo shot was all the Woodpeckers needed as they beat the Fredericksburg Nationals (6-4) 1-0 in this week’s series opener. The victory moved Fayetteville into sole possession of first place in the Carolina League South Division.

The Woodpeckers got their best start of the season from righthander James Hicks. The 2023 Astros 13th round pick hurled five scoreless innings and allowed just one hit while striking out eight. Hicks began the game retiring the first nine batters he faced.

On the other side, Fredericksburg got five impressive innings from their starter in lefty Liam Sullivan, who ironically was also selected in last year’s 13th round by Washington. Sullivan also tossed five scoreless while surrendering five hits but struck out eight himself.

After a pair of clean innings from reliever Moises Diaz, the FredNats turned it over to Thomas Schultz (L, 0-1) for the eighth. Up came Gomez who got a first pitch breaking ball from Schultz and turned it around for the go-ahead bomb. It was Gomez’s first home run since July 1 last season in the Florida Complex League.

The one-run lead was more than enough for Fayetteville reliever Raimy Rodriguez (W, 1-0). The righthander posted all zeroes over four innings to clinch the Woodpeckers’ first shutout win of 2024.

Both teams will meet again for the second of six games this week Wednesday afternoon. Fayetteville is scheduled to start RHP Ethan Pecko and the Nationals will hand the ball to RHP Bryan Sanchez. First pitch is at 12:05 PM.

BOX SCORE: https://www.milb.com/gameday/753948/final/box