Xander Meckley’s Incredible Start Leads FredNats to 5-3 Win Over Shorebirds

Fredericksburg, VA - The Fredericksburg Nationals played a complete team game in a 5-3 win over the Delmarva Shorebirds. RHP Xander Meckley led the way, becoming the first FredNat pitcher to go into

Both offenses put runners in scoring position in the first two innings but couldn’t bring across any runs. In the top of the 3rd, Jaden Lo Re hit a lead off double, moved to third on a groundout, then scored on a groundout to put the Shorebirds up 1-0.

The FredNats bats responded right away. In the bottom of the 3rd, Manny Cabrera hit a one out single, then scored on a Coy James home run. It was James 17th bomb of the season, which ties the FredNats single-season home run record. The offense wasn’t done there. Juan Cruz doubled two batter laters, then was brought home by Elian Soto who hit his first Single-A triple. Soto then scored on a Dashyll Tejeda RBI single to make it 4-1.

In the bottom of the 6th, the FredNats added on to their lead. Jordan Williams hit a no doubt blast, his 7th homer of the year to put the FredNats up 5-1.

While the bats were putting runs on the board, starting pitcher Xander Meckley started to dominate. The RHP put the Shorebirds down 1-2-3 in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th, retiring 15 men in a row after giving up the leadoff double to Lo Re in the 3rd. Meckley became the first FredNats pitcher to go into the 8th this year. He finished with a final line of 7.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K.

With the win, the FredNats secure at least a split in the series. It’s the first time Fredericksburg has won three of the first four games since the first week of July. They’ll go for the series win tomorrow with MLB rehabber DJ Herz getting the start against RHP Harrison Kreiling. First pitch from Virginia Credit Union Stadium is set for 7:35 PM.