Ramos and Harper Shine in Rehab Appearances, Nats Win 5-2
Woodbridge, VA --- C Wilson Ramos stole the Major League spotlight as the Potomac Nationals (3-1, 2-0) beat the Salem Red Sox (1-4, 1-4) 5-2 on Monday night. Ramos and LF Bryce Harper made rehab starts for Potomac, and Ramos delivered a three-run home run in the bottom of the third to take a 4-1 lead.
Harper played just three innings in left field in his first rehab game since heading to the DL in late April. He singled in the first and walked with two outs in the third to set up the Ramos homer. Ramos collected three hits of his own in nine innings behind home plate as the P-Nats' catcher. He fell just a triple shy of the cycle.
RHP Dakota Bacus (W, 3-2) was superb over seven innings churning out a quality start. Bacus allowed eighth hits but induced three double play balls to earn the win. His only run allowed came in the second when 3B Mario Martinez singled in a run after a leadoff 1B Jantzen Witte double. CF Will Piwnica-Worms made an incredible run-saving catch in center field to end the inning and take away extra bases from LF Kevin Heller.
Potomac grabbed four of their five runs in the third inning. All of the runs came with two outs including Ramos' home run. 2B Tony Renda also plated Piwnica-Worms with a single to left field. The runs came off Red Sox starter RHP Justin Haley (L, 5-3) who surrendered all five Nats' runs over six innings.
RHP Gilberto Mendez (Sv, 4) asserted his position as the team's new closer with two strikeouts in the ninth. SS Ryan Dent flew out to right field to end the game as the tying run.
The P-Nats and Red Sox combined to turn six ground ball double plays in the game (three each). Harper and Ramos are expected to start on Tuesday in game three of the series against Salem.
The Potomac Nationals Baseball Network, which is accessible at www.potomacnationals.com, will broadcast the final game of a three game series against Salem on Tuesday, June 24th. Broadcast coverage will begin with the P-Nats Leadoff Show at 6:50pm in preparation for the 7:05pm first pitch. RHP Austin Voth (0-0, 0.00) will make his Carolina League debut with the P-Nats. The Red Sox will send RHP Pat Light (1-3, 6.06) to the mound. On a Two-for-Tuesday, Bryce Harper and Wilson Ramos will make their second rehab appearances.
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. The Potomac Nationals have claimed four Carolina League Championship titles (1982, 1989, 2008, and 2010) and eight division championships. Most recently, the P-Nats earned a 2013 Carolina League Northern Division pennant. P-Nats 2014 season tickets and mini plans are now on sale. Sponsorship opportunities for the 2014 season and beyond are available. Plan your corporate outing now for the 2014 season 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 Potomac Nationals Ticket Office at 703-590-2311 for more information!
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