GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 2, 2018) - Cody Bolton led a four-pitcher, four-hit shutout for West Virginia, as the Power blanked the Greensboro Grasshoppers, 4-0, on Saturday evening at First National Bank Field to even the series at one apiece.Bolton (2-0) was phenomenal for the second consecutive outing, turning in a career-high
GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 2, 2018) - Cody Bolton led a four-pitcher, four-hit shutout for West Virginia, as the Power blanked the Greensboro Grasshoppers, 4-0, on Saturday evening at First National Bank Field to even the series at one apiece.
Bolton (2-0) was phenomenal for the second consecutive outing, turning in a career-high six scoreless frames to register his first-ever quality start. The right-hander allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four over 87 pitches (52 for strikes). Bolton has now spun 11 shutout innings since joining the Power (26-24) on May 22. The team has recorded shutout wins in both of Bolton's starts in 2018 (5-0 win vs. Kannapolis on May 25).
Ike Schlabach, Beau Sulser and Blake Cederlind finished off West Virginia's fifth shutout of the season, as the trio combined for three scoreless innings out of the bullpen, giving up just one hit and fanning five Greensboro (25-28) batters. The win snapped a season-long five-game losing streak for the Power.
Both starting pitchers kept the game scoreless until the fifth, when Kyle Watson and Chris Sharpe stroked back-to-back singles with one out to put runners at first and third. The next batter, Lolo Sanchez, grounded one to the shortstop, Garvis Lara, who flipped the ball to the second baseman, Micah Brown, for the second out. Brown had trouble on the transfer, however, and could not complete the 6-4-3 inning-ending double play, which allowed Watson to score from third and give West Virginia a 1-0 edge.
The Power extended their lead in the seventh, as Ben Bengtson led off the inning with a single against Grasshoppers' starter Taylor Braley (2-5). Watson then doubled in Bengtson with a two-bagger to left and advanced to third on a throwing error from Lara. After a walk to Sharpe and a groundout from Ryan Peurifoy, Oneil Cruz smacked the second RBI double of the inning, plating both Watson and Sharpe to push the lead to 4-0.
West Virginia goes for a series victory in the finale against Greensboro on Sunday afternoon, with first pitch set for 2 p.m. from First National Bank Field. RHP Hunter Stratton (1-2, 6.41 ERA) toes the slab for the Powerr, while the Grasshoppers counter with RHP Brandon Miller (1-4, 5.64 ERA). Pregame coverage begins at 1:40 p.m. on The Jock 1300 and 1340 AM, as well as online at www.wvpower.com and via the TuneIn Radio App and MiLB First Pitch App.
Following the road trip finale in Greensboro, the Power return home to face Lexington in a three-game set at Appalachian Power Park from June 5-7. West Virginia's first June homestand includes a Rock 105 Two for Tuesday and Thirsty Thursday, as well as a Pets in the Park Night. For tickets and more information, call the Power at 304-344-2287 or visit wvpower.com.
