Martinez Leads the Wood Ducks to Victory on the Mound

WOODBRIDGE, VA - The Woodies used a strong start from the offense and from Emerson Martinez on the mound in a 4-2 victory over the Nationals at Pfitzner Stadium. Martinez matched a career-high with eight strikeouts over six innings of work and did not walk a batter in his first win of the season.

Down East gave Potomac a taste of its own medicine with a three-run first inning. Anderson Tejeda brought home LeDarious Clark (who doubled) with a single to strike eight pitches into the contest. After a fielding error in left to allow Leody Taveras to reach, Chuck Leblanc delivered a single down the left field line to score a pair and extend the lead to 3-0.
Martinez never had to pitch from behind and he struck out four of the first six batters he faced in the game. He reached his eight total after only four innings of shutout work against the Nationals.
The Woodies loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth inning and managed a run after a great battle between Tejeda and P-Nats starter Sterling Sharp. After eight pitches Tejeda drew a walk to bring home a run to mark the score at 4-0. Tejeda matched a career-high with three walks on the afternoon.
The bullpen took over for Martinez in the seventh with Cole Wiper first. He worked two innings and allowed one run with four strikeouts. For the first time this season, the Wood Ducks faced a save situation. Locke St. John got the call and retired the side in order in the ninth to claim the save and the win for the DEWDs.
Next, the Woodies finally return home for a seven-game homestand at Grainger Stadium. The Myrtle Beach Pelicans will come to town for the first four games in a Southern Division Championship Series rematch. First pitch is 7:05 p.m. on Thursday and the gates open at 5:30 for the home opener.