The Frederick Keys lost 4-3 to the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Nationals) Thursday night at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium in Game Three of a six-game series. The Keys could not rally in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Frederick Keys Take Lead in Third Inning
Wilmington scored first on a passed ball in the top of the first inning. Frederick Keys starter Christian Rodriguez recorded a strikeout to end the inning with two runners on base, keeping the deficit at 1-0.
The Blue Rocks extended their lead to 2-0 in the top of the third inning. The Keys responded in the bottom half when RJ Austin hit an RBI sacrifice fly and Fernando Peguero followed with a two-run home run, giving Frederick a 3-2 lead through three innings.
Wilmington Regains the Lead
Wilmington tied the game at 3-3 with a solo home run in the fourth inning. Both teams went scoreless in the fifth before Wilmington moved back in front during the sixth with an RBI single to right, taking a 4-3 lead. The Blue Rocks maintained that advantage through the remaining innings.
Keys Fall in Ninth Inning
Ben Vespi struck out the side in the top of the eighth inning and threw a scoreless top of the ninth. However, the Keys were unable to score in the bottom of the ninth, allowing Wilmington to secure the one-run victory.
Keys Set for Game Four
Game Four of the six-game series is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. The game will feature Christmas in July, including a Snow Globe Giveaway from Common Market for the first 1,000 fans ages 13 and up, followed by postgame fireworks courtesy of Paul Davis Restoration.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Frederick Keys turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead with a three-run third inning, but Wilmington answered with runs in the fourth and sixth innings. The loss puts the Keys behind in the six-game series after three contests, with Game Four scheduled for Friday at home.
Source: Original report
