Mudcats Squander Late Lead in 4-3 Loss
BUIES CREEK, N.C. - Marcos Diplan struck out eight and allowed just one hit over six quality innings, but the Mudcats lost a 3-1 lead in the seventh as the Astros rallied back for a 4-3, series clinching victory at Jim Perry Stadium in Buies Creek on Wednesday night.
BUIES CREEK, N.C. -
The Mudacts (15-18) led 3-1 through six before reliever
The Buies Creek (20-13) seventh started with a strikeout from
The damage had been done though as the Astros rallied for three runs and three hits in the seventh to take the lead for the first time in the game. Reliever
Balaguer (3-1, 5.68) pitched through two and 1/3 scoreless frames while earning the win. McKee (S., 1) walked one, gave up one hit and struck out two to finish the game. He also struck out Rob Henry with two men on base to close out the Buies Creek victory.
Carolina originally led 1-0 in the game after getting unearned run in the first on a two-out RBI single from
The Astros picked up their first run of the game in the fifth and did so while also collecting their first hit against Diplan. Carolina's starter took a no-hitter into the fifth, but lost it after giving up a double to Sieber. A wild-pitch moments later moved Sieber up to third and he managed to score on a groundout to second by Canelon.
Diplan left the game with his club up 3-1 and after working through six solid innings. In all, Diplan struck out eight, walked four and allowed just one run on one hit. He reached 87 pitches, threw 49 strikes and pitched to a season best game score of 71 in what ended up being a no-decision.
Kenilvort followed Diplan and lost the 3-1 lead in the eighth before then giving way to
The 4-3 victory lifted the Astros into a two games to one series victory over the Mudcats. It was also their fifth win over seven games against Carolina this season.
The Mudcats next play at home on Thursday night for Thirsty Thursday at Five County Stadium. Thursday's game is the first of a four game home stand against the Wilmington Blue Rocks and will begin at 7:00 p.m. The game will air 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 via high-definition video at MiLB.tv.
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