Hamilton's First Pro Homer Sparks Woodpeckers to Win Over Mudcats

FAYETTEVILLE, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (52-64) used a three-run home run from Quincy Hamilton and a quality start out of Heitor Tokar (W, 3-3) to hold a lead throughout Thursday’s 5-2 victory over the Carolina Mudcats (67-50) at Segra Stadium.

Hamilton’s first professional home run came in the first inning as Fayetteville strung together a two-out rally against Jhoan Cruz (L, 6-6). Michael Sandle extended the inning with a single and Justin Williams drew a walk to put two on base. Hamilton proceeded to barrel a high fastball over the right center field wall for a 3-0 lead. Hamilton finished the evening 3-for-4 with an additional pair of singles and a stolen base.

Carolina used a pair of solo home runs to inch back into the game. Ethan Murray hit a solo blast off Tokar in the fifth, and Andre Nnebe connected for his second long ball of the series in the 8th off Bryan Salgado (S, 1) to cut it to 3-2.

The only blemish of the night for Tokar proved to be the solo homer. He completed six innings and allowed just one run in the first quality start of his career. Tokar struck out three and did not issue a walk en route to his third winning decision of the season.

Miguel Palma added on late with a two-run single in the eighth inning that padded the lead at 5-2. In the top of the ninth, Bryant Salgado closed out the three-inning save by retiring the side in order and locking up the first victory of the series.

The series continues on Friday night at Segra Stadium with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 pm ET. The Woodpeckers will start RHP Spencer Arrighetti (2-1, 4.76) and Carolina will counter with RHP Christian Tripp (0-0, 4.84).

FULL BOX SCORE: https://www.milb.com/gameday/649354/final/box