P-NATS DROP GAME TWO TO HILLCATS 7-2
LHP Bobby Hansen made his Carolina League debut and was greeted rudely by Advanced-A batters as Lyncburg scored early. Tommy La Stella hit an RBI single to open the scoring and scored on a bases loaded ground out by Chris Garcia as the Hillcats led 2-0 after one. The Hillcats got two more in the second as Robby Hefflinger hit his second homer in as many days with a solo shot to open the inning. Lynchburg scored another on an Evan Gattis RBI single. Hansen ended his day throwing two innings giving up four runs.
There was a scary moment in the stadium in the fourth inning. After he hit a double, Anthony Rendon was trying to score on a bloop single to center by Justin Bloxom. He went down with an injury after rounding third. As of now, there is no update on the extent of the injury that was suffered or where exactly Rendon was injured. As soon as we have an update, we will share it.
Paul Applebee went three scoreless for the P-Nats in relief. However, Lynchburg added two more to their lead in the bottom of the seventh on a triple by David Rohm to increase the lead to 6-0.
The P-Nats mounted a rally in the eighth. With runners at second and third and two out, Sean Nicol who replace Rendon hit a double to deep right center to close the gap to 6-2. But Lynchburg added another in the bottom half of the eighth en route to a 7-2 win.
Tomorrow is the final game of the three game set with the Hillcats. RHP Adam Olbrychowski gets the start for the P-Nats against RHP J.R. Graham with first pitch set for 2:05 p.m. The Nationals return home Friday, April 13 for Opening Day with the Lynchburg Hillcats at 7:05 p.m. Opening Weekend includes Fireworks on Saturday and Titanic Day on Sunday. Call the Nationals at 703-590-2311 or visit www.potomacnationals.com for tickets!