KINSTON, NC - A late home run by Rhett Wiseman spoiled a thrilling pitchers' duel at Grainger Stadium on Thursday night. The Potomac outfielder lined an 0-2 pitch with two outs in the ninth to break a 1-1 tie and win the game 2-1.
KINSTON, NC - A late home run by Rhett Wiseman spoiled a thrilling pitchers' duel at Grainger Stadium on Thursday night. The Potomac outfielder lined an 0-2 pitch with two outs in the ninth to break a 1-1 tie and win the game 2-1.
The Wood Ducks (3-5, 38-40) received a big start from Walker Weickel as the right-hander tossed six innings with eight strikeouts and no walks. He was ultimately assessed a no decision after exiting the game, but turned in perhaps his best start at home this season.
Three different DEWD hitters had multiple hits with Melvin Novoa leading the way with three. Andretty Cordero added an RBI double to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. Seven-of-nine starters reached base in the contest as the Woodies collected eight hits.
Potomac (3-4, 40-34) held the Wood Ducks in check by stranding ten baserunners. Ben Braymer's third start with the P-Nats only featured one run with eight strikeouts over his six innings of work.
Cordero's double had tied the game in the fourth inning and both pitching staffs continued to shine. Right-hander Cole Wiper entered for the seventh inning and tossed two scoreless frames with a strikeout.
He gave way for Michael Matuella for the ninth and he was one strike away from sending the tie game to the bottom of the ninth. Wiseman hit his 14th homer of the season right to tie the league lead and give the Nationals the lead for the bottom of the ninth.
While the Woodies moved the tying run into scoring position for the ninth, they ultimately left him stranded as the offense only managed to go 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
Friday's series finale is a rubber match and the final game between the two teams in the regular season. Right-hander Emerson Martinez (4-7, 4.38) takes the mound for the Woodies against P-Nats righty Matthew DeRosier (0-0, 18.00) at 7:00 p.m.
