Purke Makes Pro Debut in Suns Loss

Greensboro, NC - The Hagerstown Suns (30-22) lost the final two games of their series with the Greensboro Grasshoppers (38-15), dropping game three, 5-3, at NewBridge Bank Park in Greensboro, N.C., on Wednesday afternoon.

Suns starter Matt Purke (0-1) suffered the loss in his professional debut, allowing five runs on seven hits, five walks and one strike out.

Catcher Adrian Nieto went 2-for-3, while Justin Miller and Caleb Ramsey each drove in runs for Hagerstown. Shortstop Jason Martinson knocked in his 48th RBI of the season and finished the game 1-for-4 with a stolen base.

Grasshoppers' starting pitcher Adam Conley (6-1) earned the win pitching six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, one walk and five strike outs. Reliever Kevin Cravey pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his first save of the season. Centerfielder Brent Keys went 2-for-4 with his fourth home run of the season and two RBIs. Second baseman Austin Barnes went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.

The Suns return home to Municipal Stadium tomorrow night when they open up a four-game series against the Delmarva Shorebirds (Orioles) on a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Benny's Pub, at 7:05 p.m. Righty Nathan Karns (2-0) will take the hill for Hagerstown against Delmarva left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (1-1).

Suns individual game tickets, season tickets, mini-plans, and group packages are on sale now. 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.