WILMINGTON, Del. — The Wilmington Blue Rocks defeated the Jersey Shore BlueClaws on Saturday, 5-1, at Frawley Stadium. Blue Rocks starting pitcher Riley Maddox in his first game of High-A ball pitched five strong innings and allowed just two hits with three strikeouts.
Maddox secured his first professional win against the BlueClaws.
“I knew that he [Maddox] was a competitor,” said first-year manager Ted Tom. “But he went out there and got ahead early and was able to wipe some dudes off and was very efficient with his pitch count, and at this time of the year, that’s really important.”
Tom, who was hired from Memphis University, also secured the first win of his minor league baseball managerial career.
“It’s really good to represent the Nationals and the Wilmington Blue Rocks,” said Tom. “Our guys came out with the same kind of energy like it was opening day.”
Maddox wasn’t the only pitcher that had a strong outing. Pablo Aldonis pitched three innings and struck out four, including a sixth inning where he struck out the side on eleven pitches.
“He always does well, never seen that guy scuffle,” said first baseman Ethan Petry. “He always has a positive attitude.”
Top prospect Ethan Petry had a solid day at the plate, finishing 1-for-3 with a 2 RBI double in the bottom of the sixth. Petry also reached base in the first inning after being hit by BlueClaws starting pitcher Ryan Dromboski.
The Blue Rocks made Dromboski work, throwing 65 pitches in 3.1 innings pitched, with six walks.
“I just like my swing, where it is right now. We worked really hard in spring training just to get it right,” said Petry. “I was just grateful for the opportunity to be in High-A after being in Low-A last year.”
Petry is just two games into his High-A career and is continuing to make as many steps as he can.
“Just trying to win every game I can in any way I can provide,” said Petry. “A lot of power, a lot of thump on the bat, once you put it all together, I’m really excited for this team.”
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