Potomac Blanks Salem 3-0 to Win Series on the Road

Salem, VA- Potomac (47-52-Overall, 22-26-Road, 14-15-Second Half) scored three runs in the top of the second and blanked the Salem Red Sox (51-50-Overall, 26-27-Home, 13-18-Second Half) en route to winning the series in Game Two 3-0 on Sunday night from LewisGale Field.

RHP Ian Dickson (1-0, 2.50) made the spot start, his second of the year for Potomac, against the Red Sox. Dickson, a member of the 2014 Mills Cup Champion Potomac Nationals, was brilliant through his 5.1 innings. He allowed only one hit and it came on an infield bunt single by SS Mauricio Dubon. Dubon picked up that single in the bottom of the third. Other than the infield single, Dickson walked three, he hit two batters and struck out a season high five batters.

RHP Kevin McAvoy (5-9, 4.40) toed the slab for the Red Sox and he was dinged for all three unearned runs in the top of the third. McAvoy lasted 6.2 innings overall for Salem, relinquishing three runs on eight hits, adding two walks and four strikeouts.

Potomac picked up three straight singles by DH Grant DeBruin, 3B Drew Ward and LF Alec Keller. 2B Khayyan Norfork hit a fielder's choice ball that saw DeBruin get put out at home for the first out. C Craig Manuel, the next hitter, hit a fielder's choice ball that brought home Ward from third for a 1-0 Potomac lead. RF Estarlin Martinez walked and CF Rafael Buatista knocked in two with a hard single to give Potomac the 3-0 advantage.

LHP Robert Orlan, in his first appearance with Potomac and in the Carolina League, entered in relief for Dickson and pitched shutout baseball. In his 2.2 innings on the mound, Orlan gave up just one hit while striking out four before giving way to RHP Brian Dupra for the Save.

Dupra (SV 4), pitched through an error by Norfork and an infield single by CF Cole Strugeon, striking out one and inducing a game ending double play ball to seal the 3-0 win for Potomac. The P-Nats have now shutout the opposition in ten games in 2015.

RHP Taylor Grover wrapped it up for the Red Sox, pitching the final 2.1 innings and allowing two hits, a walk and he picked up two strikeouts.

Potomac goes for the sweep tomorrow night in the finale from Salem with RHP Tyler Mapes (1-2, 3.00) on the mound against LHP Daniel McGrath (1-2, 3.02).

First pitch tomorrow night is set for 7:05 pm and Nationals baseball will be on the air at 6:50 pm starting with the "P-Nats Lead-Off Show" on the Potomac Nationals Baseball Network.

The Potomac Nationals play at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, and are the Carolina League affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Potomac Nationals have claimed five Carolina League Championship titles (1982, 1989, 2008, 2010, and 2014) and nine CL Northern Division Championships. The P-Nats are the defending Carolina League Champions after winning the 2014 Mills Cup Championship Series. Potomac Nationals 2015 season tickets and mini plans are now on sale. Sponsorship opportunities for the 2015 season and beyond are available. Corporate outing reservations for the 2015 season to watch the future stars of the Washington Nationals at The Pfitz may be placed now as the P-Nats offer discounted group rates and all-inclusive picnics. Visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the Potomac Nationals Ticket Office at 703-590-2311 for more information!

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