Oneil Cruz crushes 443-foot home run in 4-2 loss

CHARLESTON, WV (July 7, 2018) - Oneil Cruz's third-inning homer was just one of two hits West Virginia could muster against the Hagerstown Suns, as the Power fell, 4-2, in Saturday's series opener at Appalachian Power Park.
Cruz's home run gave West Virginia (9-7, 46-36) its first lead of the ballgame, as the Dominican native launched a rocket well beyond right field that traveled 443 feet and gave the Power a 2-1 lead. The 19-year-old's 11th home run of the season set a new career high for the Pirates prospect.

Besides allowing Cruz's long ball, Jackson Tetreault (3-7) was stellar, working seven strong innings against West Virginia for the second consecutive start. The only other hit he surrendered besides Cruz's homer was a base hit to Jesse Medrano in the fifth.
Jared Johnson and Frankie Bartow (S, 1) both tossed a pair of scoreless innings in relief to seal the win for Hagerstown (5-11, 32-52).
The Suns jumped out quickly against Cody Bolton (3-2). Yasel Antuna and Cole Freeman led off the game with back-to-back singles to put runners at first and second. Gage Canning then scored Antuna on a sacrifice fly to left field to make it 1-0 Hagerstown. 
Following Cruz's homer, West Virginia led by one until the fifth, when Hagerstown responded with two runs. Nick Choruby led off the innig with a single and Antuna clocked his own two-run homer to put the Suns in front, 3-2.
Bolton spun six innings for the third time this season, recording his third quality start with the Power after ceding three runs and striking out four over 78 pitches.
In the loss, Matt Seelinger tossed a scoreless ninth inning, striking out the side in order.
West Virginia continues its three-game set with Hagerstown Sunday afternoon, with first pitch set for 2:05 p.m. at Appalachian Power Park. RHP Travis MacGregor (1-1, 2.91 ERA) toes the rubber for the Power, while Hagerstown counters with righty Malvin Pena (0-0, 0.00 ERA). Pregame coverage begins at 1:45 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.
Tomorrow is PBS Kids Day at Appalachian Power Park. Curious George, Clifford, Daniel Tiger and two Super Why Kids will be roaming the concourse during the game, courtesy of West Virginia Public Broadcating. It's also Kids Sunday Funday, with kids 12 and younger eligible for free entry to Sunday's game with a Kidz Club membership, presented by Sheetz. Kids are welcome to play catch before the game, as well as run the bases postgame, courtesy of SMART529 College Savings Program, while select Power players will be available for autographs as well. For tickets and more information, call the Power at 304-344-2287 or visit wvpower.com.