Bats Cool Down, Hillcats Handed First Loss

Lynchburg, Virginia – The Lynchburg Hillcats fell into a six-run hole in the bottom of the first and could not crawl out, as the Salem Red Sox won game three of a six game series at Haley Toyota Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Sox got out to an explosive start with Hillcats starter Jordan Jones (0-1) on the mound. In the lead off spot Salem’s Gilberto Jimenez singled and moved to third on an errant pick off attempt. Jones retired Nick Yorke, but a walk and a double brought in the first two runs of the game. Salem followed by loading the bases and adding two more runs with Jones on the mound. The ‘Cats starter finally got the second out, however with the bases reloaded Lynchburg made a pitching change. Miguel Vinicio (1-0) walked into a bumpy situation, seeing two inherited runs come through, but ultimately the Hillcats’ reliever got Yorke to fly out to stop the Red Sox six-run onslaught.
• The Red Sox added a run apiece in the bottom of the third and the bottom of the fifth thanks to RBIs from Jaxx Groshans and Jimenez, extending their lead to 8-0.
• Vincio pitched a solid game for the Hillcats in an emergency appearance, giving up just two runs, only one earned due to an error at second for Lynchburg. The hurler ultimately went four innings and fanned three.
• In his first game as a Hillcat, Cody Farhat smashed a double to start the top of the sixth. A passed ball and an ensuing ground out from Yordys Vales brought Farhat home to make it 8-1 Salem.
• Despite giving up seven hits over four innings, Red Sox reliever Jorge Rodriguez only allowed one Hillcats run to score through the seventh inning.
• Andrew Misiaszek put together another stellar outing in relief for the Hillcats, going two and a third and allowing just one hit.
• After two more Salem runs scored in the bottom of the eighth off the final Lynchburg pitcher Trey Benton, the Hillcats added one final score in the top of the ninth. Valdes chopped another RBI groundout that scored Christian Cairo.
• For the first time in nine games the Hillcats put up less than seven runs, falling 10-2 to the Salem Red Sox.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Down East also lost in game two of a doubleheader with Carolina, meaning there are no undefeated teams left in Minor League Baseball.
• Cody Farhat earned the Hillcats second outfield assist of the year, stopping a run from scoring all the way from left field.

WHO'S NEXT

The Hillcats seek revenge Friday in game four from Salem Memorial ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.