Keys Take Down BlueClaws in Series Opener on the Road

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The Frederick Keys picked up a series opening win over the Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Phillies) Tuesday night, winning by a score of 10-7 at ShoreTown Ballpark.

Led by a three-hit and three-RBI night from Enddy Azocar, the Keys secured the win over Jersey Shore in the first of six games on the road, as they’ll look to make it two in a row on Wednesday afternoon from Lakewood.

Frederick took a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a wild pitch that scored Colin Tuft from third and an RBI bases loaded walk drawn by Colin Yeaman. Yasmil Bucce capped off the frame with a two-RBI double, making it a 4-0 game through a half inning of play.

The BlueClaws however came back with three runs in the bottom frame with two runs coming in off a two-RBI single, cutting the deficit to one at 4-3 after one inning on the Shore.

Jersey Shore tied the game at four on an RBI single to right field, evening things up at four apiece heading into the third during the series opener.

Following a scoreless third inning for both sides, the Keys retook the lead in the top of the fourth on an RBI sacrifice fly from Braylon Whitaker, and an RBI single from Azocar, both of whom recorded their first RBIs in their Keys debut.

Despite the BlueClaws getting one run back in the bottom frame, Teddy Sharkey recorded a strikeout to end the inning, keeping the Keys in front by one approaching the fifth in Lakewood.

After the Keys and BlueClaws went off the board in the fifth inning, Azocar recorded his second RBI in his Keys debut in the top of the sixth on an RBI single to center field, giving Frederick a 7-5 edge entering the seventh at ShoreTown Ballpark.

Colin Yeaman hit his second homer of the season with a solo shot to left, increasing the Keys lead back to three at 8-5 heading into the eighth Tuesday night.

Tuft came from third on a throwing error by Jersey Shore, but the BlueClaws cut the lead in half on a two-run homer to left, making it a 9-7 game going into the ninth with the Keys looking for more insurance.

Azocar recorded his third RBI of the night with an RBI double in the top of the ninth inning, giving Frederick a 10-7 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth with Chandler Marsh looking to close it out on the mound.

Marsh went on to slam the door shut on the victory for Frederick, as the Keys won the series opener in ShoreTown Ballpark by a score of 10-7 Tuesday night.

Box Score

Game two of the six-game series with the BlueClaws is set for Wednesday afternoon at 12:05 p.m. from ShoreTown Ballpark.