Pitching Staff Shines Despite Loss to Astros

BUIES CREEK, NC - The Astros (15-7, 52-39) tossed their league-leading 15th shutout of the season in the series finale with the Wood Ducks (9-13, 44-48). In the 2-0 defeat, the only two runs that scored were unearned to spoil Emerson Martinez's quality start.

Down East only managed five hits in the contest and Franklin Rollin led the way with two. All five hits were singles but the Woodies did not have multiple runners on at any point during the contest. 
The first inning was a bumpy start for the Wood Duck defense as the game opened on an error by second baseman Josh Altmann. Later with runners on second and third and two outs, a slow roller was hit to Brendon Davis at short, but Melvin Novoa missed his throw at first which resulted in both runners scoring in unearned fashion.
From there, Martinez clicked into gear by retiring 11 of his final 14 batters while striking out six over six innings of work. He took his ninth loss of the season despite lowering his ERA to 4.05.
The bullpen effort for the Woodies kept them in the game. Blake Bass and Sal Mendez both struck out two batters and did not allow a run as they each worked one inning.
Brandon Bailey's start for the Astros included six strikeouts in five frames and he gave way for Brett Adcock. The lefty extended his scoreless streak to 13 innings after striking out four and only allowing two hits (both to Rollin).
Newly acquired Tommy DeJuneas worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the save to keep the Wood Ducks at-bay for a comeback. Still, the Woodies' staff only allowed four hits in the defeat as it results in a series split.
The Woodies return home on Friday with left-hander Joe Palumbo making his 2018 DEWD debut on his comeback from Tommy John surgery. The southpaw will face Myrtle Beach's own lefty, Bryan Hudson at 7:00 p.m. at Grainger Stadium. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and fans can stick around for fireworks after the game to open the four-game series.