Seven-Run First for Wilmington Buries Potomac

(Woodbridge, VA) - The Wilmington Blue Rocks scored seven runs in the top of the first inning and took down the Potomac Nationals 9-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series. The P-Nats have dropped three straight home series for the first time this season and are 3.5 games back in the Northern Division.

Wilmington sent eleven batters to the plate in a top of the first inning that lasted 23 minutes. Lane Adams drove in the first run with an RBI single and Cheslor Cuthbert drew a bases loaded walk for a 2-0 lead. After Nick Van Stratten lined out, Geulin Beltre hit a two-run double down the left field line to double the advantage for the Blue Rocks. Two batters later Angel Franco singled home Beltre for another run and Orlando Calixte followed with a two-run double to push the score to 7-0. The seven runs allowed by Potomac are the most in the first inning this season and second most in any inning in 2012.

Jason Adam (5-11) fired six scoreless innings for his second win this season against the Nationals. He gave up only four hits and did not issue a walk while striking out five batters.

Robbie Ray (4-10) was chased after two thirds of an inning, his shortest outing of the season. He surrendered six runs on three hits and three walks. Ray has lost his last three decisions.

The Blue Rocks added another run in the fourth inning. Adams started the frame with a single and moved to third base on single by Cuthbert. Nick Van Stratten reached on a fielder's choice allowing Adams to score to up the lead to 8-0 Wilmington.

Wilmington scored their ninth and final run in the seventh inning. Beltre doubled home Cuthbert for his third RBI of the game to make it 9-0.

Potomac avoided the shutout with a run in the bottom of the eighth. Erick Fernandez, Blake Kelso, and Matt Skole singled to load the bases with one out. Kevin Keyes beat out a fielder's choice to break up the shutout and bring the game to its final score of 9-1.

The P-Nats take to the road tomorrow for a four-game series against the Salem Red Sox tomorrow night at 7:05 PM. Matt Grace (7-11, 5.62) will take the mound for Potomac while Keith Couch (8-9, 3.75) will pitch for Salem. Potomac returns home Monday, August 20th for their final homestand starting with four against the Carolina Mudcats. The Potomac Nationals are celebrating their 35th Anniversary of professional baseball and family fun, for all your ticket needs please call the box office at 703-590-2311 or visit www.potomacnationals.com.