The Frederick Keys lost 4-3 to the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Nationals) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. The defeat came in Game Three of the six-game series after Wilmington scored the go-ahead run in the sixth inning.
Frederick Keys Rally After Falling Behind
Wilmington scored first on a passed ball in the top of the first inning. Keys starter Christian Rodriguez struck out a batter to end the inning with two runners left on base, keeping the deficit at 1-0. After a scoreless second inning, the Wilmington Blue Rocks extended their lead to 2-0 in the top of the third. The Frederick Keys answered with three runs in the bottom half, with RJ Austin delivering an RBI sacrifice fly before Fernando Peguero hit a two-run home run to take a 3-2 lead.
Wilmington tied the game with a solo home run in the fourth inning. After another scoreless frame in the fifth, the Blue Rocks regained the lead in the sixth with an RBI single, making it 4-3.
Wilmington Holds Off Frederick in the Late Innings
Ben Vespi kept the Keys within one run late in the game. He struck out the side in the top of the eighth inning and followed with a scoreless ninth. The Keys did not score in the bottom of the ninth, allowing Wilmington to preserve the one-run victory. The Blue Rocks won Game Three of the series by a 4-3 score.
Game Four Scheduled for Friday
Game Four of the six-game series is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. The Frederick Keys will host a Christmas in July promotion. The first 1,000 fans ages 13 and up will receive a Snow Globe Giveaway from Common Market. Postgame fireworks are also planned courtesy of Paul Davis Restoration.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Frederick Keys responded with three runs after Wilmington opened a 2-0 lead, with RJ Austin and Fernando Peguero delivering key offensive plays in the third inning. Wilmington answered with runs in the fourth and sixth innings, with the sixth-inning RBI single proving decisive. Ben Vespi gave Frederick a chance to rally with two scoreless innings, but the Keys could not score in the bottom of the ninth. Friday’s 7 p.m. game offers Frederick their next opportunity to even the series.
Source: Original report
