KEYS TAKE CARE OF ROCKS, 5-2

On Thursday night, the Keys became the first team this season to score four runs against LHP Noel Arguelles as they went onto defeat the Wilmington Blue Rocks, 5-2. 1B Tyler Townsend drove in three runs including a two-run homer in the sixth inning. With the win, the Keys improved to 13-13 on the year.

RHP Tim Bascom made his first start at Harry Grove Stadium since June 5, 2009 and he dazzled in his return. Bascom scattered four hits over six innings and did not allow a run as he picked up the win. The Tampa, FL native finished with seven strikeouts on the evening.

Noel Arguelles entered Thursday night with a record of 1-0 and an ERA of 1.02. The Keys seemed unfazed by his impressive stats as their bats quickly came to life. 2B Bobby Stevens doubled to left to lead off the bottom of the first. Later in the inning, Tyler Townsend singled home Stevens to give Frederick 1-0 lead after one.

3B Buck Britton pushed the Keys lead out to two runs when he brought home C Brian Ward on a RBI single to right in the third inning.

With two out and 2B LJ Hoes on first in the bottom of the sixth, Tyler Townsend made the Keys' lead four on one swing of the bat. Townsend crushed the Arguelles' offering deep to centerfield for his team-leading fifth home run of the season.

Arguelles exited the game after six innings. He allowed four runs on five hits and picked up his first loss as a member of the Kansas City Royals organization.

Frederick added to their advantage in the seventh when RF Jacob Julius hit a solo homer to left field off RHP Michael Mariot. Julius' second home run of the year made it a five-run Keys lead after seven innings.

Wilmington scored two runs in the eighth inning but Keys closer, RHP Sean Gleason, struck out the side in the ninth as the Frederick won, 5-2.

Gleason notched his fifth save of the year following his perfect ninth inning.

The Keys and Blue Rocks return to the field on Friday night for game two of the four-game series. LHP Nathan Moreau (2-2, 3.98) will take the hill for Frederick while Wilmington will toss RHP Elisaul Pimentel (2-0, 5.91).

First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. at Harry Grove Stadium. Following the final pitch on Friday evening, their will be a SUPER fireworks show presented by Loews of North Frederick. To purchase your tickets, contact the Keys Box Office at 1-877-8-GO-KEYS or purchase online at www.frederickkeys.com.

Frederick Keys Baseball - Shake Your Keys.