Potomac Picks Up First Win at Myrtle Beach
The Pelicans scored in the first thanks to two of the four errors the Nationals would commit. Odubel Herrera singled to start the game then advanced on errors by Adrian Sanchez and Grace before scoring on a Jared Hoying ground out and Myrtle led 1-0.
Potomac came back the next half inning and took their first lead of 2012 in inning 28 of the season. David Freitas led off with a double, Kevin Keyes reached on an error and Wade Moore walked to load the bases. Keyes scored on a Sanchez groundout and Franciso Soriano walked to load the bases with two out. Michael Taylor smacked a double to deep right center which gave the Nationals a 4-1 lead.
The Nationals got another in the fourth off a Blake Kelso RBI single that scored Soriano to extend the lead 5-1. Josh Richmond responded for Myrtle Beach with a two-out solo shot in the fifth to cut the lead to 5-2.
Again Potomac got one back with Justin Bloxom's RBI sacrifice fly that scored Sanchez to increase the lead to 6-2. Myrtle Beach notched runs in the sixth and seventh off Potomac relievers to cut the advantage to 6-4.
But Neil Holland shut the door on any Pelicans comeback. He retired his last six batters then Cameron Selik pitched a perfect ninth for the save and the Nationals notched their first win of the year.
The P-Nats got a huge day from Michael Taylor who reached based four times including the huge three run double. Soriano and Sanchez both scored two runs as well.
The Nationals will try to take the series tomorrow when RHP Matt Swynenberg takes the hill to face RHP Wilmer Font of Myrtle Beach. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m Potomac returns home Friday to face Lynchburg for Opening Day. To see the Nats in person, purchase tickets by calling 703-590-2311.