Princeton Rays drop game one of double header against Bluefield Orioles

The Game: The Princeton Rays were shut out by the Bluefield Orioles in game one of Thursday’s double header at Hunnicutt Field. Bluefield scored their first run in the first inning. Javier Santana lead off the game with a single to short, then advance to third on a throwing error by Wilking Rodriguez. Omar Casamayor then drove home Santana with a ground ball to first giving the Orioles a 1-0 lead.

Bluefield added to their lead by pushing across another run in the sixth inning. Dashenko Ricardo got things going with a single to short. Javier Santana followed with another single that advanced Ricardo to third. Omar Casamayor then singled to second to score Santana giving the Orioles a 2-0 win in the seven inning contest.

Wilking Rodriguez was charged with the loss, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 7. Kirby Yates pitched 1 2/3 shutout innings striking out 3 and walking 1. Matt Hobgood picked up the win for Bluefield.

What Went Right: Pitching; despite losing the game, the pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts and kept Bluefield to 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

What Went Wrong: Offense; only collected 2 hits in the game and struck out 4 times.

A Look Ahead: The Rays and Orioles will face off in game two of the doubleheader. Joey Callender (3-2) will pitch against Robert Holloway (2-2).