Taylor Slugs P-Nats Past Frederick to Log 7-5 Win in Opener
Frederick, MD-The Potomac Nationals (84-53, 41-24) received a career-high five RBIs and the second four-hit contest of the season from CF Michael Taylor to slug past the Frederick Keys (59-78, 25-43) by the final score of 7-5 on Saturday night at Harry Grove Stadium.
Potomac LHP Matt Purke (5-3) won his fifth consecutive decision after 5.0 scoreless innings in which he allowed just five base hits without walking a batter. Purke fanned five in arguably his best start of the season.
Taylor bashed a two-run home run in the 1st inning off the eventual losing pitcher, RHP Zach Clark (1-7) over the second tier of signage in left center field for his tenth four-bagger of the season before connecting on run-scoring doubles in the 5th and 6th. Taylor finished with two runs scored plus one walk in the 4-for-4 night at the plate.
Clark surrendered five earned runs in 4.0 frames on six hits and five walks.
Adding to a 2-0 lead, the Nationals plated three more runs in the 5th on Taylor's two-base rocket to the right field corner before Taylor scored on an errant throw from C Allan de San Miguel down to third base that ended up in left field.
Potomac furthered their lead to 7-0 in the 6th when DH Randolph Oduber knuckled an RBI line drive triple over the head of CF Glynn Davis before Taylor doubled off the base of the right field wall scoring Oduber.
Frederick unleashed a furious comeback scoring five unanswered runs. Three runs in the 7th stanza came courtesy of a two-run home run blasted by 1B Michael Mosby off RHP Greg Holt over everything in left center plus a wild pitch from RHP Travis Henke that allowed one run to score.
In the 8th, the Keys received a solo home run from Baltimore Orioles utility infielder, Ryan Flaherty who was optioned to Frederick in time for the final regular season series of the 2013 Carolina League campaign. Flaherty cranked the lazer beam homer over the right field wall in a hurry off Henke. Mosby added a run scoring double whipped into the gap in left center field.
Holt walked three and allowed three earns runs in 1.0 inning while Henke gave up a pair of earned runs on three hits in 2.0 innings.
Potomac RHP Robert Benincasa (SV 17) added to his Carolina League-best saves mark garnering his 17th with a one-two-three 9th inning. Benincasa got de San Miguel on a flyout to right field, 3B Jason Esposito on a swinging strikeout, and Davis on a game-ending 4-3 groundout.
In series Game Two on Sunday slated for 6:00pm, Potomac carts RHP Paul Demny (2-2, 3.38) out to the mound to face off with Frederick LHP Trent Howard (3-2, 3.32).
The Potomac Nationals Baseball Network will begin streaming Sunday evening with the P-Nats Leadoff Show at 5:45pm in preparation for the live play-by-play broadcast beginning at 6:00pm. Broadcast coverage of Potomac Nationals Baseball is accessible by heading to www.potomacnationals.com.
The Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League play at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, and are the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Potomac Nationals 2013 playoff tickets to see Potomac chase a 2013 Carolina League Mills Cup Championship are on sale now. P-Nats 2014 season tickets and mini plans are also available. Sponsorship opportunities for the remainder of the '13 season and beyond are obtainable. Plan your corporate outing now to see the future stars of the Washington Nationals at The Pfitz as the P-Nats offer discounted group rates and all-inclusive picnic options. Visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the ticket office at 703-590-2311 for more!
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