KINSTON, NC -Brendon Davis stayed hot at the plate and the Wood Ducks (32-30) received huge contributions from the pitching staff in a 4-2 victory over the Astros (34-28). The third baseman connected on his third homer of the season and second of the series to lead the way for
KINSTON, NC -Brendon Davis stayed hot at the plate and the Wood Ducks (32-30) received huge contributions from the pitching staff in a 4-2 victory over the Astros (34-28). The third baseman connected on his third homer of the season and second of the series to lead the way for the Woodies.
Emerson Martinez also tossed seven strong innings with only two runs allowed in his fourth win of the season. The Venezuelan also added nine ground ball outs with a pair of double plays turned behind him. Sunday marked the fifth straight start he has completed at least six innings.
Despite allowing a run in the first inning, Martinez would settle down from therein. Both of the double plays turned behind him ended their innings as he kept the Woodies in striking distance.
Davis came to the plate in the fourth after a leadoff double by Anderson Tejeda. His big swing came on a 1-0 pitch from Buies Creek starter Gabriel Valdez. He hit a rising liner to left that carried the wall to give the Woodies the lead.
In the fifth, Leody Taveras would add an RBI single into right field to score Josh Altmann from second with two outs. That run was only his second run batted in for his last 17 games, and his first in his last ten games.
Martinez exited after the seventh with the score 3-2. In the bottom of the seventh, manager Spike Owen opted to the bench with two outs and Melvin Novoa on second. He called Chuck Leblanc in to pinch-hit and he delivered with an RBI single to left to restore the two-run lead.
The bullpen for the Wood Ducks was flawless as Jacob Lemoine and Jairo Beras each tossed a perfect inning to close out the win for the Woodies. It was Lemoine's fourth hold of the season while Beras collected his first career save in the win.
Next, the Woodies host a three game series with the Wilmington Blue Rocks starting on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. All three games of the series are set to begin at 7:00 p.m. for the final home series of the first half for the DEWDs.
