Burnes tosses one-hit gem as Mudcats win 7-2

ZEBULON, N.C. - Corbin Burnes struck out five and allowed just one hit while pitching into the seventh and both Max McDowell and Jake Gatewood drove in two runs apiece during a six run Carolina fourth as the Mudcats defeated the Keys 7-2 in game one of a four game series on Thursday night at Five County Stadium.

Burnes (2-0, 1.32) allowed a lead off single to start the second and walked two in the fourth, but allowed just one other base runner the rest of the way while working into the seventh. He struck out five, walked three and allowed just one hit while pitching to a game score of 77. Burnes left the game with two outs in the seventh after reaching 95 pitches (58 strikes).
The game was scoreless until the Mudcats (12-15) jumped out to a 6-0 lead with six runs on three hits in the fourth off Keys starter Keegan Akin and reliever Tanner Chleboard. 
Gatewood and Trent Clark started the six run fourth with back-to-back walks, Luis Aviles Jr. then bunted his way on with a hit and McDowell followed with his bases loaded double to the left-field corner.
The Mudcats then added another run when Troy Stokes Jr. reached with the bags full on a fielder's choice and throwing error from third baseman Stevie Wilkerson. Isan Díaz followed with a sacrifice fly and Gatewood finished the rally with a two-out RBI single to right.
Akin (1-3, 6.26) allowed the first four (three earned) runs and Chleborad allowed the final two as Carolina took a 6-0 lead in the frame. Durham, N.C. native Zeke McGranahan also pitched for the Keys and allowed a run and two hits in his Carolina League debut.
Gatewood was 1-for-3 with a run and two RBIs. He also extended his current hitting streak to a career high 14 straight games. McDowell was also 1-for-3 with a run and two RBIs. Clark scored twice and was 1-for-3 and Aviles was 2-for-3 with a run.
Brad Kuntz and Scott Grist followed Burnes and combined to wrap up the Carolina victory. Kuntz needed just one pitch to get out of the seventh after taking over for Burnes and struck out three in the eighth. 
Kuntz did allow two runs and three straight hits in the ninth, but Grist followed and helped the Mudcats out of the final frame by inducing a bases loaded double play and getting another groundout to end it.
UP NEXT: The Mudcats and Keys will play game two of their four game series on Friday Night at Five County Stadium. Friday's game will feature a souvenir arm sleeve giveaway, Star Wars themed game jerseys and Friday Night Fireworks presented by Sears Home Services. The game worn Star Wars jerseys will be auctioned off online (auctions.carolinamudcats.com) with the net proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern NC.
Friday's game begins at 7:00 p.m. and will air on the Mudcats Radio Network, The Big Dawg 98.5 FM and online at carolinamudcats.com via TuneIn Radio. It will also stream live online via high definition video at MiLB.tv. Tickets are available by calling (919) 269-CATS (2287) and by visiting carolinamudcats.com/tickets.
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