Carolina Collapses Late in 9-1 Loss to Potomac
ZEBULON, N.C. - Ryan Aguilar went 2-for-3 with a run and starter Matt Smith pitched through five scoreless innings, but the Mudcats failed to finish off a series sweep while falling 9-1 to Potomac on Sunday afternoon at Five County Stadium.
ZEBULON, N.C. -
Sunday's series and home stand finale was scoreless through the fifth and tied at 1-1 through the sixth before the Nationals (4-7, 34-44) broke it open while winning 9-1. Relievers
Andrews eventually took over in the eighth in place of Topa and finished the frame with an inherited runner left on base. He also pitched the ninth, but left after allowing a two-run double to
Carolina's only run in the game came in the sixth when Aguilar walked and scored on a two-out single off the left field wall from
Aguilar's run in the sixth also tied the game at 1-1 as the Nationals originally had a 1-0 lead while also scoring a run in the sixth. Their run came against Hardy after he had taken over for Smith out of the Carolina bullpen. Hardy allowed the game's first run to score after giving up double to Banks and then a two-out run scoring hit to Corredor. In all, Hardy allowed the one run and struck out four over two innings.
Smith started for Carolina and held the visiting Nationals scoreless through the fifth. He did not record a strikeout, or walk a batter, but did induce 11 groundouts versus two flyouts. Smith also scattered three hits while cruising his way through the Potomac lineup and reaching 57 pitches (39 strikes) in the game.
Pena started for the Nationals and ended up with a no-decision after allowing one run on four hits over six innings. He also walked one and struck out one. Reliever
Carolina ended up taking three out of four from the visiting Nationals in the series thanks to Sunday's loss. The Mudcats additionally finished their seven game home stand at 3-4 having started the home stand with three straight losses to Down East, before winning three straight against the Nationals and then suffering Sunday's lopsided loss.
The Mudcats will next play on Monday night in Myrtle Beach as they begin a new three game road trip. Carolina will have LHP
The game will air live on the Mudcats Radio Network, The Big Dawg 98.5 FM and online at carolinamudcats.com via TuneIn Radio. The game will also stream live in full high-definition video on MiLB.tv via Minor League Baseball's subscription service.
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