Goodwin, Suns Rally Past Power in Opener

Hagerstown, MD - The Hagerstown Suns, Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, used late inning heroics, including a center fielder Brian Goodwin's two-run tying home run to begin a late innings rally for an 11-9 win over the West Virginia Power on Opening Day at Municipal Stadium in front of 2,078 fans.

BOX SCORE

Goodwin (2-for-4) shined in his professional debut, leading the Suns' offense with 4 RBIs, including a two-run homerun to tie the game at 9-9 in the bottom of the sixth inning while adding an outfield assist defensively. Third baseman Matt Skole knocked in three runs and finished the night 2-for-5 with an early two-run double in what was a six-run second inning for Hagerstown. Left fielder J.P. Ramirez's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth inning to plate Jason Martinson proved to be the game winning RBI. Second baseman Bryce Ortega also added an RBI for Hagerstown while right fielder Caleb Ramsey delivered a triple in the win.

Suns reliever Christian Meza (1-0) earned the win as the third man out of the Suns bullpen going two scoreless innings and inducing a bases-loaded, ending double-play ball in the top of the seventh. Righty Alex Kreis (1) earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning. Starter Wirkin Estevez did not factor in a decision, allowing six runs on nine hits over four-plus innings.

Power shortstop Alen Hanson led the West Virginia attack, going 3-for-4 with a double, two-run homerun and three runs scored from the lead-off spot. Left fielder Willie Garcia (3-for-5, RBI) and centerfielder Greg Polanco (3-for-5, 3B, RBI) each also enjoyed three hit nights. Right fielder Josh Bell (1-for-5) chipped in with an RBI double and a run scored.

Relief pitcher Rinku Singh (0-1) suffered the loss as the fourth Power pitcher of the game, giving up two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Starter Nick Kingham did not factor in the decision, pitching 1.2 innings and allowing five runs on four hits.

The Suns and Power play game two of the four game series at Municipal Stadium on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. when Suns righty Brian Durpa (0-0) takes the mound . West Virginia's Stetson Allie (0-0) is set to oppose him. A spectacular Zambelli Fireworks show will follow the game. Individual game tickets, season tickets, mini-plans, and group are now on sale. For more information and to reserve your seat at Municipal Stadium, call 301-791-6266, or www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Hagerstown Suns are owned by Hagerstown Baseball, LLC.