Suns take rubber game from BlueClaws

HAGERSTOWN, M.D. - The Hagerstown Suns (8-6) built a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on Wednesday afternoon against the Lakewood BlueClaws (3-11) and never looked back, ending a seven game home stand with a 3-1 victory. The win gives the Suns five victories against the BlueClaws in six games against them this season.

 

Hagerstown got its two runs in the bottom of the first thanks to a two-out triple by CF Wander Ramos. Prior to Ramos' triple, DH Tony Renda began the inning with a single to right, and he advanced to second when LF Estarlin Martinez was issued a one-out walk. Both Renda and Martinez scored on Ramos' triple, giving the Suns a lead they would not relinquish.

 

Lakewood cut into the lead, however, in the fifth. Following a Suns pitching change, catcher Chad Carman doubled on a line drive to right. A third strike wild pitch to RF Yan Olmo allowed Carman to advance to third. Carman scored when 2B Angelo Mora singled to left.

 

The Suns added an insurance run in the seventh to up their lead back up to two. Shortstop Stephen Perez drew a two-out walk, his second walk of the game. With Renda at the plate, Perez stole second to get himself into scoring position. Renda then delivered with a single up the middle, driving home Perez to make it 3-1.

 

RHP Brian Rauh (1-1) picked up the win for Hagerstown, pitching 3.2 innings in relief. Starting LHP Brett Mooneyham only pitched 4.1 innings so he was ineligible for the win, despite not allowing a hit or a run. Rauh allowed one earned run on three hits while striking out five without walking a batter. RHP Kevin Brady (0-2) suffered the loss for Lakewood. He gave up two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight in six innings. RHP Robert Benincasa pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his third save in three opportunities this season.

 

The Suns next head to West Virginia to take on the West Virginia Power in a four game series beginning Thursday April 18. Hagerstown will send RHP Ronald Pena (0-1) to the mound for his third start of the season. He will square off against RHP Tyler Glasnow (0-0) for the Power. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.