After losing the first game of a doubleheader against the Hudson Valley Renegades by a score of 2-0, the Wilmington Blue Rocks took game two in dominant fashion.

After being shut out in the previous game, the Rocks came out in the first inning looking to send a message for the seven-inning contest. After striking out to end the previous game, Jared McKenzie walked to lead off game two. A little bit of luck went the Blue Rocks’ way when Marcus Brown reached base on a fielder’s choice. Caleb Lomavita then loaded the bases with a single.

This brought up the clean up hitter Branden Boissiere, whose been able to come through in clutch situations all season, and he did once again when he hit a double to score the runners from second and third. 

The starter for Hudson Valley, Griffin Herring, did a good job of limiting the damage despite letting up two runs, ending the inning with three strikeouts. 

The two runs did do a lot for the momentum of the game.

“I think, just getting two runs in the first and he helped,” Banks said. “We just kept it going. And, the pitchers, they shoved tonight, and that’s all we could ask for.”

If the first inning put a dent in Herring’s armor, then the third inning completely shattered it. 

This time, it was Boissere leading off with a double in the left-center field gap. 

Boisierre has been Wilmington’s best hitter this season, it might not seem like it in the slash line of .247/.303/.341, but the eye test would tell you that Boissiere has come up big in multiple spots and has been the key cog when the Rocks have had success in the win-loss column.

Gavin Dugas drove in Boissiere with a double of his own, and Jackson Ross walked, putting the nail in the coffin for Wilmington.

Teo Banks came to the plate, worked a 2-1 count, that he was able to turn on and hit over the wall to give the Blue Rocks a 6-0 lead. That moment is something Banks will never forget. 

“That was cool,” Banks said. “Delwyn Young has helped with some tiny stuff, and that has been helpful.”

Banks has only had 72 at-bats so far in the minors; he is hitting .139, so the adjustment has been on the tougher side thus far. Despite the rough start, Banks is keeping a positive mindset. 

“It’s been getting better, I will say that,” Banks said. “
I’ve got some great teammates. Who are great at keeping me positive and have been really helping me so far.

The Blue Rocks would go on to score five more runs all in the fifth inning with Teo Banks picking up two more RBIs, Jackson Ross hitting a double and securing an RBI, and Lomavita getting a pop out for an RBI.

The starter for Wilmington, Alex Clemmey, left little to no doubt in this one. He was able to work five strong innings. 

“All four of my pitches were working today,” Clemmey said. “I was able to get ahead in counts and execute.”

With the Nationals’ number one prospect, Travis Sykora, being called up, Clemmey is once again the most highly touted prospect on the Rocks roster. 

So far this season, Clemmey has a 2.88 ERA in 14 games started, with 83 strikeouts. It would be surprising if he were still down in Wilmington by the end of July. He is knocking on the door of a call-up to Harrisburg.

The Blue Rocks are currently tied in their series with the Renegades; they will attempt to win the final two to take the series. if the offense continues to play how they played today, then it will be no contest.

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