Wood Ducks Drop Slugfest to Nationals

KINSTON, NC - A late rally pushed the Wood Ducks (2-4, 37-39) back into the game but could not sustain the momentum in a 9-5 loss to the Nationals (2-3, 39-33). While the Woodies mashed out 12 hits, Andretty Cordero led the way with three to extend his hitting streak to nine games.

Potomac jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, and added three more in the fifth to chase starter Robby Rowland from the game. The right-hander made his Down East debut and struck out three in four-plus innings.
The Woodies had baserunners early but could not cash-in. They started the night 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. The sixth inning changed that for the Woodies as they entered the frame down 8-0.
A two-out rally formed with three consecutive doubles by Brendon Davis, Alex Kowalczyk, and Melvin Novoa. After nine-hole hitter Franklin Rollin reached on a dropped third strike, Josh Altmann knocked the fourth double of the inning down the left field line.
The four-run frame suddenly had the Woodies in striking distance, but the Nationals responded with a solo homer in the seventh. Chuck Leblanc would rip an RBI single up the middle to match the run in the bottom of the frame but that would cap the offense for the night.
The series is now even at one game apiece in the five-game set. Dueling right-handers are set to take the mound on Wednesday morning at Grainger Stadium. Steven Bruce will start for the Woodies opposite Joan Baez for the P-Nats with first pitch scheduled for 11:00 a.m.