Nationals Swept by Carolina

(ZEBULON, NC) - In their first ever series, Carolina completed the three-game sweep of the Potomac Nationals with a 3-2 victory Sunday afternoon in Zebulon. For the first time this year, Potomac had just two hits in a nine-inning game.

For the second straight day, Potomac took a lead with one run in the third. Against Carolina starter LHP Randolph Oduber singled then scored thanks in part to to two errors by the Mudcats. Oduber scored on a bunt by Blake Kelso to give the Nationals a 1-0 lead.

The Mudcats responded in the fourth off of P-Nats starter Paul Applebee who was making his first start of 2012. Jesus Aguilar grounded out to short scoring Tony Wolters to knot the game 1-1.

The P-Nats got a lead off double off the wall from Kevin Keyes in the fifth. He scored on a throwing error by Ronny Rodriguez with two outs in the innings and the Nationals regained the lead 2-1.

But in the bottom of the fifth, once again this series Carolina would match a Potomac score with one of their own. Ronny Rodriguez singled to lead off the inning and reached second on a wild pitch. Anthony Gallas drove in Rodriguez on a single to tie it up again 2-2 and advanced to second on the throw home. The next batter Tyler Cannon would single to score Gallas and give Carolina their first lead of the contest 3-2.

That would be it for both teams in terms of scoring. Trevor Holder had his third consecutive scoreless multi-inning appearance out of the bullpen for the Nationals retiring 9 of the 10 batters he faced and Cameron Selik tossed a scoreless eighth for Potomac.

Unfortunately for the Nationals, Shawn Armstrong and Jose Flores combined for three and a third perfect innings in relief of Jimenez retiring all 10 batters they faced. Flores earned his sixth save in as many chances.

Jimenez (4-1) earned the win tossing five and two-third innings without giving up an earned run while striking out five. Applebee (1-1) took the loss scattering five hits over four innings. It was his first loss of the season.

Potomac was held to two hits for the second time this year as well as this six-game road trip. The Nationals finished 1-5 on the road trip.

The Nationals return home tomorrow to face the Frederick Keys at 7:05 PM. LHP Robbie Ray (0-1, 16.50) takes the hill for the P-Nats while Frederick has yet to announce their starter. For tickets, please call us at 703-590-2311.