Bullpen Ends Streak in 5-4 Loss to Drive

HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 21, 2019) - The Suns bullpen surrendered four runs in as many innings in a 5-4 loss to the Greenville Drive at Municipal Stadium Wednesday night.
Hagerstown (58-70, 28-30) took a 4-2 lead during a three-run sixth that started with a Drew Mendoza walk and a Jacob Rhinesmith single before Kyle Marinconz hit a one-out base knock to load the bases for Cole Daily, who drew a four-pitch walk to tie the game 2-2.

Trey Vickers sliced a single to left to plate the next pair for Hagerstown to gain the lead, but the bullpen was unable to hold off the Drive (53-74, 21-36).
The Suns scored their first run in the bottom of the first after Justin Connell and Rhinesmith successfully completed a double steal to score Connell and give Hagerstown a 1-0 lead.
Joan Adon got the no-decision after going five frames without surrendering an earned run. He left the game tied 1-1 before handing the ball to Nick Wells. Wells allowed three runs to score in two innings before exiting the game. 
The difference maker came in the eighth inning with Pearson McMahan (L, 0-2) on the bump for Hagerstown. With one out, he gave up a homer to right field from Tyler Dearden to break the 4-4 tie.
Meanwhile, the Suns bats were unable to break the spell of Alex Demchak (W, 3-1). Demchak worked three innings while just surrendering a single hit and fanning a pair of batters.
Hagerstown and Greenville battle in a rubbermatch tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. at Municipal Stadium. The Suns turn to RHP Jackson Rutledge (1-0, 3.12 ERA), while Greenville counters with RHP Brayan Bello (5-8, 5.79 ERA).
The Suns are the midst of a six-game homestand against the Greenville Drive and Delmarva Shorebirds August 20-25. The stretch is full of great promotions including Thirsty Thursday, Fireworks Night, a Mike Mussina Bobblehead and much more!