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Suns Hold On to Defeat Grasshoppers, 9-7

July 10, 2012

Greensboro, NC - The Hagerstown Suns (55-33) held off a late rally by the Greensboro Grasshoppers (52-37) to take the first game of the series, 9-7, at NewBridge Bank Park on Tuesday night.

Third baseman Justin Miller's eighth home run of the season, a three-run shot in the sixth inning, proved to be the eventual game-winner. First baseman Brett Newsome collected a pair of doubles and RBIs, while shortstop Cutter Dykstra went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Centerfielder Brian Goodwin scored two runs on three hits, including two doubles.

Suns starting pitcher Chris McKenzie did not factor in the decision, allowing one run on two hits and five walks in 4.2 innings of work. Lefty Christian Meza (5-1) earned the win pitching the next 1.1 innings behind McKenzie without allowing run. South Atlantic League saves leader, Aaron Barrett (15), was called upon to record the final out of the game and nail down the win, save.

Grasshoppers' starter Scott Lyman (1-3) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on six hits and seven walks over 4.2 innings pitched. Right fielder Rand Smith led the Greensboro attack with three hits and four RBIs.

The Suns and Grasshoppers will play game two of the series on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. when LHP Kylin Turnbull (4-4, 4.85) takes the mound against Greensboro's LHP Charlie Lowell (3-4, 4.31).

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.