Author: Potomac Local News

Alex Caldera was unable to hold the lead for the Nats; he yielded three runs on a pair of home runs in the second inning and two more Salem runs in the third before he recorded an out. Caldera (0-1, 16.70) was lifted from the game and got the loss.

Ryan Pressly, the Sox starter was just as erratic. He lasted only 2.2 innings but the Sox offense got him off the hook. He gave way to Anatanaer Batista, who was utterly dominant and retired all ten Nationals hitters he faced. Batista got the win to improve his record to 2-0.

The Potomac Nationals staked starter Trevor Holder to a one-run lead in the second inning.  Steven Souza – the Carolina League’s leading slugger – led off the frame with a bunt single. With one out, Sandy Leon singled to move Souza to third; he would score on a Jose Lozada groundout.  Chris Curran then singled, but was removed from the game when he injured himself running to first.  The newest National J.R. Higley pinch ran for Curran, and would play a major role in the game.

Spotty defense gave the lead back to Salem in the third. With two outs and Zach Gentile – who roped three hits on the evening – on first base, Kolbrin Vitek hit a liner to left.  J.P. Ramirez decided to dive late, the ball skipped past him to the wall, and Gentile scored all the way from first.  Reynaldo Rodriguez then hit a hot shot to third off the glove of Stephen King to score Vitek and give the Sox their first lead. Dan Butler then roped the first of his three doubles on the night to bring Rodriguez home and compound the Nats’ defensive miscues.