Dykstra's Go-Ahead Base Knock in 12th Carries Nationals to 3-2 Extra Innings Win
Salem, VA-The Potomac Nationals (5-6, 3-2) captured their first series victory of the 2013 campaign with a 12th inning 3-2 win over the Salem Red Sox (4-7, 2-3) at LewisGale Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark, their second extra innings triumph on the road trip and the season.
Potomac is now (3-2) on their opening bus trip series of the 2013 season and have the opportunity to sweep Salem in the current three-game series tomorrow afternoon.
3B Cutter Dykstra, who went 3-for-6 with one run and two RBIs, ripped a go-ahead run scoring single to right field in the 12th inning to plate SS Jason Martinson, who cranked a two-out one-base knock to get aboard and keep the frame alive. 1B Kevin Keyes also reached to set up Dykstra's at-bat with an infield single dribbled up the third base line.
Potomac struck first in the top of the 1st inning with a Dykstra RBI shot to right center field scoring CF Michael Taylor, who had a three-hit night.
Salem answered right away in the home half of the 1st frame when RF Keury De La Cruz pulled an RBI single into right field scoring SS Deven Marrero, who walked.
Nationals LHP Robbie Ray, who left the mound in position for the win but was not rewarded for his tenure on the mound, was very effective through 6.0 innings as the southpaw allowed just one earned run on four hits, while overcoming four hits, and fanning four.
Ray's opposite number, LHP Miguel "Mickey" Pena pitched well, but like Ray, did not factor into the decision, after tossing 4.0 innings and surrendering one earned run on five hits.
Potomac grabbed a 2-1 lead in the 6th stanza as 2B Adrian Sanchez pelted a line drive off the RHP Michael McCarthy that ricocheted into right center field allowing Dykstra, who singled to left center field.
The Red Sox tied the game off of RHP Greg Holt (BS 1) in the 7th as DH Jose Garcia lined a long single off the left field barrier then 2B Nick Natoli walked and both runners advanced into scoring position on a groundout to second base off the bat of LF Felix Sanchez. A wild pitch brought in Garcia to tie the game at 2-2.
After a scoreless stalemate through the next four innings, in the top of the 12th, RHP Matty Ott (1-1), the losing pitcher, surrendered Dysktra's big blow and the Nationals used RHP Richie Mirowski (1-0), the winning pitcher, who tossed a perfect 11th inning, to close out the series win. Mirowski set down Salem 1-2-3 to finish the win after a battle with Natoli, who flew out to deep center to end the contest.
There will be a breakfast baseball matchup on Wednesday afternoon, an 11:00am first pitch, featuring Nationals RHP Taylor Jordan (0-0, 1.50) dueling with Red Sox LHP Henry Owens (0-0, 1.80) as the P-Nats have an opportunity to garner their first series sweep of the 2013 season.
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!
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