WRAL Sports Fan

Mudcats

Late fly drops Mudcats, 6-5

May 19, 2012

Woodbridge, Va. — A fly ball to center off the bat of Kevin Keyes proved the difference in a 6-5 win for the Potomac Nationals on Saturday night at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium.

A crowd of 6,101 celebrated as the winning run scored in the bottom of the ninth on the sacrifice fly to complete a four-run comeback by Potomac (17-22). It marks the third time Carolina (21-20) has lost a game after taking a lead into the ninth.

Jose Flores (0-1) allowed the winning runs. After issuing two walks sandwiched with a strikeout, a bloop single to left by Michael Taylor knotted the score 5-5. A throwing error on the play allowed the winning run to third. It is the first blown save for the closer in eight chances this year.

Cameron Selik (1-0) received the win after pitching a scoreless ninth.

The comeback erased a big third inning for the Mudcats. The club produced five runs in the frame on five hits. Jeremie Tice and Ronny Rodriguez each drove in a score with doubles. Jesus Aguilar and Carlos Moncrief brought in a run each as well.

The Nationals stayed within striking distance by scoring two in the last of the third, and added another run in the fourth.

Potomac nearly took the lead by loading the bases in the eighth inning thanks to a hit batter, an error and a bunt single. Trey Haley induced a ground ball back to the mound that Carolina turned into a 1-2-3 double play. A weak roller to second provided the final out.

The Mudcats and Potomac Nationals wrap up the series Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. The team returns home on Friday, May 25, to host the Winston-Salem Dash. Tickets are available through the box office by calling (919) 269-2287 or visiting carolinamudcats.com.