Keys Defeat Nationals 4-1 in Rain Shortened Game

(WOODBRIDGE, VA) - The Frederick Keys defeated the Potomac Nationals 4-1 in a six-inning contest delayed by lightning and ended by rain at the Pfitz Tuesday night. The two teams were set to play two but weather allowed the P-Nats and Keys to just play one.

Rain started in the fifth inning and continued very lightly in the sixth with lightning off in the distance. After five innings from starter RHP Kyle Simon, Clay Schrader came on for the Keys in relief with Frederick (12-22) leading 4-1. He walked the first two batters bringing up the tying run in Randolph Oduber. Right as he was about to deliver the first pitch to Oduber, lightning struck very close to the park down the third base side and both teams ran into clubhouses. The game was called 40 minutes later.

For the fourth time in a week, the Potomac (13-22) had a game effected by rain. Last Tuesday in Salem, the P-Nats had a game that was suspended in the fourth inning. The next day the Nationals had a game called in the middle of the fifth. Last night's scheduled contest with the Keys was rained out.

LHP Ryan Demmin made his first start for the Nationals this season after nine appearances from the bullpen. He was greeted rudely to the mound by Trent Mummy who hit the second pitch of the game over the right field fence -- his first homer of the year and the Keys led 1-0 after one batter.

The P-Nats responded in the bottom half of the first against the Frederick starter Simon. With two out, Zach Walters knocked in Adrian Sanchez on a single to right and the game was tied 1-1.

Frederick came back in the third with three doubles from Jeremy Nowak, Kipp Shutz and Mike Flacco. The trifecta of two-baggers equaled two runs for the Keys giving them a 3-1 lead. The doubles chased the starter Demmin who tossed three innings striking out two and yielding three earned runs.

The Keys scored another run on a double by Joe Olivera off of reliever Joe Testa in the sixth and extended the lead to 4-1. The game was delayed the next half inning and eventually called.

Demmin (0-1) took the loss in his first start of the year. Simon (1-6) won the first time this year. Entering tonight, the Keys were 0-7 in games started by Simon. He tossed five strong innings striking out five and scattering six hits.

The Keys offense equaled the P-Nats in hits with six hits. The big difference was Potomac had just six singles including two from Zach Walters. The Keys got five extra base hits with a homer and four doubles. Three of the four extra-base hits produced runs.

Tomorrow the Keys and Nationals hope to finish two seven-inning games. Tonight's ticket will be good for tomorrow night's doubleheader at the box office. The first game is set to start at 6:00 PM. Tentatively LHP Robbie Ray (0-1, 16.50) and RHP Matt Swynenberg (3-1, 3.75) are the two Nationals starters tomorrow. For tickets to the DH, call us at 703-590-2311.