Five-Run First Leads Woodpeckers to Big Win Over Hill City

Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (50-47, 18-14 2nd Half) rolled for a five-run flurry on the Hill City Howlers (42-57, 11-22 2nd Half) in the first inning Thursday night and distanced themselves the rest of the way in an 11-2 win at Segra Stadium. It marked Fayetteville’s fourth straight victory and kept the club in first place in the north division in the second half.

Juan Sierra had a big three-hit night at the plate and started his day with a two-run double in the bottom of the first against debuting right-hander Will Hynes (L, 0-1). Arturo Flores also drew a bases-loaded walk and DJ Newman connected for a two-run single on a bouncing ball to center field that made it 5-0 in a blink.

Jagger Beck (W, 4-3) enjoyed the early run support and carried the lead over five innings. The 19-year old gave up a pair of runs on six hits and struck out four to qualify for the win. Adam Shoemaker (SV, 2) cruised the rest of the night out of the bullpen, spinning four shutout innings and striking out four as well to earn the save.

Newman drove in his third run of the night with an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh that made it 9-2 and Sierra capped a 4-RBI game with a two-run shot into the left-center field rocking chairs that stretched the lead to 11-2. It was Sierra’s second straight night with a homer, who has been hot since being activated off the injured list with nine RBI over eight games.

The Woodpeckers can clinch a series victory with a win on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM with RHP Nick Potter scheduled to start for Fayetteville opposite Hill City’s LHP Ryan Prager.

Full Box Score: https://www.milb.com/gameday/827240/final/wrap