Wilmington Blanks Potomac 7-0

(WILMINGTON, DE) - Behind a stellar start from Greg Billo, the Wilmington Blue Rocks shut out the Potomac Nationals 7-0 at Frawley Stadium on Monday Night. The Blue Rocks held the Nationals to just two-hits in their first meeting of the season in Delaware.

Against P-Nats starter Matt Swynenberg, Wilmington opened the scoring in the third inning. Juan Graterol led off the inning with a double and scored on a Whit Merrifield double to give the Rocks a 1-0 lead. Brian Fletcher knocked in Merrifield to increase the lead to 2-0 for Wilmington.

In the fifth, Wilmington blew the game open with four runs. With one out, Randolph Oduber misplayed a Merrfild line drive into a two-base error and the flood gates opened. Angel Franco hit a triple down the first base line scoring Merrifield increasing the lead to 3-0. Fletcher, Brett Eibner and Cheslor Cuthbert followed with hits and the Blue Rocks opened the lead to 6-0. Swynenberg (3-2) left the game after a double from Cuthbert giving up six runs over four and a third innings. He tied his season high with six strikeouts.

The Blue Rocks added another run in the sixth on a Graterol solo home run to lead off the inning. The first homer of the season for Graterol increased the Wilmington advantage to 7-0.

Blue Rocks starter Greg Billo was dominant from the start. He gave up just three base runners: two hits -- one to Ricky Hague and one to Michael Taylor while also walking Taylor. Just two times, Taylor in the second and also in the fifth, Potomac was able to advance a player to second. Billo (4-3) got his second win of the year against Potomac in two starts. Billo along with reliever Leondy Perez were able to retire the final 15 Nationals.

Tomorrow is game two of the series as Potomac will send LHP Robbie Ray (1-1, 11.25) to the hill for a 6:35 start. The P-Nats return home Monday to face the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. For tickets, please call us at 703-590-2311.