Suns Endure Rain, Hold On to Beat Hickory 5-3

Hagerstown, MD - The Hagerstown Suns (19-15) scored twice after a 1:07 rain delay in the sixth inning to break a 3-3 tie and beat the Hickory Crawdads (19-15), 5-3, on Monday evening at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory North Carolina.

Centerfielder Billy Burns went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI at the plate, extending his consecutive on-base streak to 26 games. But, it was Burns' third inning diving catch with runners on second and third base that was the standout play of the game, ending the inning and saving at least two runs from being scored by the Crawdads. Designated hitter Justin Miller blasted his second home run in as many games and finished his night 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Left fielder J.P. Ramirez went 1-for-4 with the game-winning RBI single in the eighth inning, which also extended his hitting streak to 12 consecutive games.

Suns starter Wirkin Estevez did not factor in the decision, allowing three runs on four hits, one walk and five strike outs over five innings of work. Reliever Christian Meza (3-1) earned the win, pitching 2.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen following the rain delay. Righty Aaron Barrett secured the victory with a four inning save, his team-leading third of the year.

Hickory starting pitcher Will Lamb gave up three runs in five innings in a no-decision. Reliever Andrew Faulkner (0-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on four hits in his three innings of work.

With the win, Hagerstown tied the Crawdads for second place in the Northern Division of the South Atlantic League. The two teams will play game two of the series on Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m., when Suns right-hander Nathan Karns (0-0) is slated to start for Hagerstown. Righty Santo Perez (2-1) is schedule to take the hill for Hickory.

Throughout the month of May all kids' seats, ages 13 and under, are just $5.00! 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.