Suns offense quiet in loss to Shorebirds

SALISBURY, MD (June 8, 2019) - The Suns offense was held down again, mustering only five hits in their 6-1 loss to the Delmarva Shorebirds at Perdue Stadium Saturday.
It was the sixth time in eight games this month that Hagerstown (27-35) has been held to two or fewer runs, as the team is now 1-5 on its seven-game road trip, and is just 8-for-51 with runners in scoring position (.157) over that span. 

Delmarva's (46-15) dominant staff was masterful again Saturday. Hector Guance (W, 3-2) tosses six strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits. The lone run came in the second inning, when Kyle Marinconz hit his second home run of the season - a solo shot that gave the Suns a 1-0 lead. Zach Matson (S, 4) pitched the final three innings of the game, holding the Suns scoreless and recording six strikeouts. 
The Suns got a great start as well, as Francys Peguero (L, 2-5) spun six strong innings, allowing two runs on nine hits and striking out four. The righty did get into trouble in sixth with runners on the corners with no outs, but he was able to tightrope out of the jam for a strong finish to his start. The two runs that did score against Peguero came in the second inning on a Seamus Curran RBI single and a Daniel Fajardo RBI groundout. 
The Hagerstown bullpen, however, was not able to keep the game close. Chris Vann relieved Peguero in the seventh, and after a flyout and a single, he hit three consecutive batters to force in a run. Vann then got a strikeout, but followed it with a run-scoring walk to Curran. The next batter, Nick Horvath, cranked a two-RBI double to center to then put the game away. 
Jared Brasher tossed a scoreless eighth to finish strong, but the Suns could not mount a comeback in the ninth. Hagerstown is now 3-7 against first-place Delmarva on the season. 
The Suns finish their series with the Shorebirds tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. RHP Ryan Tapani (2-4, 4.42 ERA) takes the ball for Hagerstown while LHP Ryan Wilson (1-1, 7.11 ERA) will toe the rubber for Delmarva.
After the seven-game road trip, the Suns return to Municipal Stadium May 10 to begin a seven-game homestand against the BlueClaws and the West Virginia Power. The stretch is filled with great promotions, including Bark in the Park, Thirsty Thursday, Pink Night and Sunday Funday! For tickets or more information visit hagerstownsuns.com or call 301-791-6266.