De La Cruz retires 20 in a row

Kelvin De La Cruz had his longest start since 2008, retiring 20 consecutive batters at one point and striking out eight, but Kinston lost in walk-off fashion to Lynchburg, 3-2, on Wednesday.

De La Cruz (2-2), who missed most of 2009 with an elbow injury, allowed a one-out double in the first inning to the Hillcats' Cody Puckett. He didn't allow another baserunner until Devin Mesoraco led off the eighth with a single.

"Everything was working tonight, my fastball, my changeup and my curveball," De La Cruz said.

The 21-year-old lefty went out to start the ninth seeking his first career shutout. Following a two-base fielding error by Kinston center fielder Donnie Webb, Jeff Reed tied the game with a home run to right field. After a long flyout to center, De La Cruz was replaced by reliever David Roberts (0-1).

Roberts hit Puckett and allowed a single to Neftali Soto, who hit a game-winning home run Tuesday night. After a groundout and an intentional walk, Alex Buchholz's single to center gave the Hillcats (13-13) the win.

In his third start of the year April 19, De La Cruz didn't allow a hit over six frames. He struck out four and induced 11 groundouts, but Wilmington rallied past Kinston, 4-1.

De La Cruz appeared to be poised for a breakout season in 2009, after going 12-6 at three levels and earning South Atlantic League All-Star honors the year before. The year started promisingly enough for the Dominican-born De La Cruz, who won his first two starts for Kinston (9-17).

However, a strained left elbow shelved him for most of the season, but he returned to make three starts in the Arizona Summer League. His top priority this season for De La Cruz is remaining healthy.

"Being healthy is the key right there," De La Cruz said. "And my command, I had some walk problems when I was a little bit younger, but now I am doing better with that."