Power holds Hoppers to four hits

GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 2, 2018) -- One night after hitting a season-high five home runs, the Grasshoppers offense was shutout in a 4-0 loss to the West Virginia Power on Saturday night in front of a crowd of 6,509 at First National Bank Field. Greensboro (25-28) has now been shutout five times in 2018, including three defeats at home
Hoppers starting pitcher Taylor Braley limited the Power to one run over the first six innings. The right-hander ran into trouble in the seventh, as West Virginia plated three runs in the frame, chasing Braley from the game.
In the top of the seventh with the Power up 1-0, Ben Bengtson led off with a base hit and scored from first on Kyle Watson's ensuing double for a 2-0 lead. Chris Sharpe walked to put men on the corners, and with one out, Oneil Cruz roped a line-drive 2-run double to center field, cashing both Watson and Sharp for a 4-0 advantage.
Colton Hock took over to relief Braley and worked himself into a bases-loaded jam before getting out of the seventh without further damage.  
West Virginia starter Cody Bolton (2-0) earned the win as he continued his scoreless start to his 2018 season. In his second straight start, Bolton had a shutout performance, tossing 6.0 innings and limiting Greensboro to three hits and a walk while striking out four. Ike Schlabach and Beau Susler eached spun a scoreless relief frame, setting up Blake Cederlind to work the ninth.  
Braley (2-5) took the loss, his first since May 14. 
The Grasshoppers wrap up this 3-game home stand on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. against the Power on a Novant Family Sunday, featuring pre-game catch on the field (1-1:30 p.m.) and post-game kids run the bases. Tickets are available online for Sunday's game at gsohoppers.com.