Hagerstown knocks off Lakewood in extras
LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The Hagerstown Suns (23-16, 61-45) scored a pair of runs in the top of the 10th inning on Wednesday afternoon to knock off the Lakewood BlueClaws (18-21, 44-62) by a score of 4-2 at FirstEnergy Park. The win improves the Suns record in extra-inning games this season to 5-3.
Right fielder Brandon Miller drove home the Hagerstown runs in the top of the 10th. Second baseman Tony Renda began the frame by drawing a walk, and was followed by 1B Shawn Pleffner lining a single to right field. Miller then stepped to the plate and hit a line drive double to center field, bringing home both runners to set the final score. Miller leads the team with 72 RBI this season.
The Suns had tied the game at 2-2 with a run in the top of the seventh. Designated hitter Estarlin Martinez drew a one-out walk, and that was followed by a double to right by catcher Craig Manuel. Martinez was able to score on the Manuel double to knot the game.
Lakewood took its only lead of the game in the fifth. Catcher Chad Carman led off the inning with a single up the middle. The next batter, RF Zach Taylor, doubled to left, driving home Carman for what turned out to be the BlueClaws final run of the game.
Each team got on the board in the first inning. In the top half of the inning Renda hit a one-out double to left. He advanced to third on a groundout to short by Pleffner, and scored on a throwing error by 3B Mitch Walding. Lakewood answered in the bottom of the inning when 1B Willie Carmona doubled with LF Larry Greene standing at first, driving in Greene to make it 1-1.
RHP Gilberto Mendez (2-1) earned the win for the Suns. He pitched two innings in relief without allowing a hit or a run, while walking two and striking out five. RHP Pedro Encarnacion started for Hagerstown and pitched six innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven. RHP Chris Burgess (2-3) suffered the loss in relief for Lakewood. He threw two innings, and allowed two earned runs on five hits and one walk. RHP Miguel Nunez got the start for the BlueClaws and went six innings, surrendering one unearned run on three hits and one walk while striking out five.
The Suns return home to Municipal Stadium on Thursday, August 1 to begin a four-game series with the Kannapolis Intimidators. First pitch on Thursday is scheduled for 7:05p.m. Hagerstown will send LHP Brett Mooneyham (6-3, 2.60) to the mound for his 14th start of the season. He will be opposed by RHP Kyle Hansen (3-6, 4.57) for Kannapolis.