IronBirds Take Game One of Saturday Doubleheader

The Wilmington Blue Rocks (29-36) were defeated by the Aberdeen IronBirds (33-32) in game one of their Saturday, June 24 doubleheader by a final score of 6-1.

The IronBirds wasted no time getting on the board, putting three runs on the board in the first inning. Following a leadoff walk and stolen base by Max Wagner, MLB’s No. 2 overall prospect Jackson Holliday singled to center to break the scoreless tie on a ball that deflected off the glove of Viandel Pena. Then, with two outs in the inning, Silas Ardoin hit a ground ball to shortstop Jeter Downs, but he was unable to make the play, which resulted in both Holliday and Dylan Beavers scoring on the error to make it 3-0.

A response was in order in the bottom of the third, with Nationals’ No. 5 prospect Brady House homering to center field for the second consecutive game, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Aberdeen answered back with a long ball of their own in the top of the sixth, as Ryan Higgins blasted one to deep left field, a no-doubter that scored Isaac De Leon and extended their lead to 5-1. The IronBirds added some insurance in the very next inning, this time via aforce out by Frederick Bencosme which allowed Holliday to score his second run of the game and make it a 6-1 game.

Nationals’ No. 9 prospect Jake Bennett turned in a solid start on the mound, going five innings, allowing four hits, three runs (one earned), and two walks while fanning six. With the quality performance, Bennett’s ERA has been lowered to 1.29 with the Blue Rocks.

House led the Rocks’ lineup with a 2-3 day at the plate, punching in and scoring their only run of the game with his third inning homer. Outside of House, just three other Blue Rocks’ recorded a hit.

Wilmington will look to bounce back in game two and earn a split in the doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. EST.