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.

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 Justin Topa, Clayton Andrews and Phil Bickford combined to allow eight runs on 10 hits in the eighth and ninth innings in the Carolina (6-5, 45-35) loss.
Aldrem Corredor led the way for the Nationals as he went 4-for-5 with a three-run home run in the ninth and five RBI overall. Corredor's huge day at the plate included a single off Smith in the fourth, a go-ahead two-out RBI single off Matt Hardy in the sixth, a two-out RBI double off Topa (L, 0-2, 6.30) in the eighth and then his three-run homer off Bickford in the ninth.
Omar Meregildo also had a big day for the visiting Nationals after he went 2-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored. His triple started Potomac's three run eighth and turned into a go-ahead run moments later on a single to center by ninth place hitter Byran Mejia. Both hits came off Topa and sparked what ended up being a three run inning. Topa ended up recording just two outs and allowed three runs on four hits in the loss.
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 Nick Banks and three hits overall in the final frame. Bickford followed and eventually allowed Corredor's three-run blast to right. Andrews allowed four runs on four hits over 2/3 of an inning. He also walked one and struck out one. Bickford also worked just 2/3 of an inning and was charged with a run allowed on two hits.
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 Mario Feliciano. Aguilar also singled in his first two at bats while going 2-for-3 in the game.
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 Carson Teel earned the win after holding Carolina scoreless over two innings pithed. Teel (W, 3-1, 3.40) also struck out three while facing only six batters. Frankie Bartow finished the game with a scoreless ninth and allowed just one hit.
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 Aaron Ashby (1-1, 1.80) on the mound for Monday's start against the Pelicans.
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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