Suns stay unbeaten against Lakewood with 4-2 win

HAGERSTOWN, M.D. - The Hagerstown Suns (30-8) improved to 8-0 against the Lakewood BlueClaws (13-24) this season with a 4-2 win on Wednesday night at Municipal Stadium. It was the fourth straight win at home for the Suns this season, which is a season high.

 

Hagerstown took the lead with a three-run second inning. Catcher Craig Manuel drew a two-out walk. Shortstop Willie Medina followed with a single to left. Then, CF Rafael Bautista laced a double to right, driving in both runners to make it 2-0. Bautista proceeded to steal third, and he scored the final run of the frame on a throwing error by Lakewood catcher Willians Astudillo as he was trying to gun down Bautista at third.

 

The Suns added what turned out to be their final run of the game the next inning. Three straight singles by 3B Drew Ward, RF Estarlin Martinez, and DH Carlos Lopez did the damage. Hagerstown finished the night with eight hits for a second consecutive game.

 

The BlueClaws got their two runs in the fifth on a two-run homerun off the bat of RF Dylan Cozens. Cozens also had a double in the game as he finished with the only two extra-base hits the team hit all night. The homerun for Cozens was his fourth of the season, giving him the team lead in long balls.

 

Starting RHP Nick Pivetta (6-2) threw seven innings and gave up two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four to earn the win. LHP Justin Thomas threw the final two scoreless innings to record his second save of the year. Starting RHP Tyler Viza (2-3) suffered the loss for Lakewood. He also pitched seven innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk while striking out three.

 

These two teams continue their three-game series at Municipal Stadium on Thursday May 15. The Suns will send RHP Andrew Cooper (4-0) to the mound for his first start and ninth appearance of the year. He will square off against RHP Alejandro Arteaga (3-4) for Lakewood. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.