The Frederick Keys fell to the Greensboro Grasshoppers, 5-3, in game two of the South Atlantic League North Division Championship series at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. The loss forced a winner-take-all game three between the Keys and the Grasshoppers.
Greensboro Takes Early Lead
The Grasshoppers scored three runs in the top of the third inning. Tony Blanco Jr. hit a three-run home run, giving Greensboro a 3-0 lead.
Frederick Keys starter Stephen Still struck out two batters in the first inning but allowed runs as Greensboro extended its lead. Eddie King Jr. followed with a solo home run in the fifth inning, pushing the advantage to 4-0. Greensboro hit its third home run of the game in the top of the sixth inning to make it a 5-0 game. Carson Dorsey then pitched a scoreless eighth inning, keeping the Keys within reach entering the final frame.
Frederick Keys Rally in Ninth
The Keys mounted a late rally in the bottom of the ninth inning. Randal Diaz hit a three-RBI double to cut Greensboro’s lead to 5-3. However, the Grasshoppers held on to secure the victory, sending the series to a deciding game three. The winner will advance to the 2026 South Atlantic League Championship series against the Winston-Salem Dash.
Winner-Take-All Game Three Set for Friday
Game three is scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. The 2026 South Atlantic League Championship series begins Sunday against the Winston-Salem Dash for the winner.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Frederick Keys’ ninth-inning rally brought the team within two runs, but the Greensboro Grasshoppers held on after building their lead with three home runs. Frederick now faces a winner-take-all game three at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium with a spot in the South Atlantic League Championship series at stake.
Source: Original report
