Biggest Comeback of Season by Nationals Yields 9-8 Win
PHOTO CREDIT: Gary Dize (Potomac Nationals)
Woodbridge, VA-With Washington Nationals RF Jayson Werth in tow amidst a rehabilitation start, the Potomac Nationals (27-24, 16-11) shocked the Salem Red Sox (21-28, 12-17) by coming back from a 7-0 deficit, their biggest come-from-behind effort of the season, to win the Game Three contest by the final score of 9-8 on the strength of ten base hits and perfect defense. The Nationals now lead the four-game series two wins to one for Salem.
Werth, who played three innings, did not record any put outs in the field starting in right field, and roped a sharp single into center field in the 1st inning.
For the second consecutive start, RHP Taylor Hill, who did not receive a decision, gave up exactly seven earns runs on ten hits. Hill lasted 4.1 innings and struck out just one batter.
Salem tallied the first runs of the game against Hill in the 4th frame putting up a three spot. C Blake Swihart blasted an RBI double to center field and 1B David Renfroe tattooed his second home run of the season, a two-run shot over everything in left field to give the Red Sox a 3-0 lead. Both of Renfroe's four-baggers in 2013 have come at Pfitzner Stadium.
The Red Sox poured on four more runs an inning later in the 5th to take a 7-0 lead. RF Keury De La Cruz ripped a run-scoring single into center field and LF Brandon Jacobs laced an RBI double up the left field line chasing Hill from the game. Swihart knocked an RBI infield single off the eventual winning pitcher, Potomac RHP Greg Holt (2-0). Then, CF Henry Ramos lifted an sacrifice fly to center to plate the seventh run of the game for Salem.
Holt went 2.2 scoreless innings with two hits allowed, one walk, and four strikeouts.
An explosion of six runs in the last of the 5th frame for Potomac got the Nationals right back in the game. CF Michael Taylor doubled home one run on a liner to the wall in left field and SS Jason Martinson sprayed a run-scoring single up the middle. On a 3-1 pitch from Red Sox RHP Michael McCarthy, who was dealt a no decision, DH Caleb Ramsey crushed a grand slam off McCarthy over all three tiers of signage in right field, his fourth homer of the campaign and third deep fly against Salem.
With the Red Sox leading 7-6 in the 6th stanza, the Nationals pushed across three runs on a two-run rocket out to left field off the losing pitcher, Salem LHP Robby Scott by RF Randolph Oduber and an RBI sacrifice fly by C Adrian Nieto to give the P-Nats a 9-7 advantage.
Salem garnered one additional run in the 8th on an RBI single by DH Garin Cecchini blooped into left center field off Potomac RHP Rob Wort.
In the 9th frame, Nationals RHP Derek Self (4 SV) shut the door and got his fourth save of the season. Self gave up singles to Jacobs and Swihart, but Jacobs was caught stealing. Ramos grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the game started by Martinson.
The Game Four finale on Thursday night will feature a 7:05pm first pitch with Potomac sending RHP Blake Schwartz (4-1, 1.00) to the mound to gun against Salem RHP Mike Augliera (4-1, 3.44).
Thursday Cheers will usher in the series finale at Pfitzner Stadium as gates open at 6:00pm.
The Potomac Nationals Baseball Network will begin streaming with the P-Nats Baseball Lead-Off Show at 6:50pm in preparation for the live play-by-play at 7:05pm. 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. P-Nats 2013 season tickets and mini plans are on sale now. Sponsorship opportunities for the '13 season are now available. Plan your corporate outing now in preparation for the summer months 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!
-- Potomac Nationals --