Wilmington, Del. — The Wilmington Blue Rocks ran into one of the hottest teams in Minor League Baseball Tuesday night.
The Bowling Green Hot Rods blasted Wilmington, 10-2, in Game 1 of a six-game series at Frawley Stadium, handing the Blue Rocks their fourth loss in the last five games.
Bowling Green (37-14) wasted little time showing why it sits atop the South Atlantic League South Division. The Hot Rods jumped on left-hander Gavin Bruni early, scoring six runs across the first three innings and forcing Wilmington to play from behind all night.
Manager Ted Tom said Bruni showed flashes despite the rough outing.
“Just stick to the things that he knows,” Tom said. “I thought he did a good job of getting ahead [in the count], but he wasn’t able to put guys away.”
The Hot Rods’ lineup continued its offensive surge with help from the long ball. Tampa Bay’s No. 1 prospect Theo Gillen collected two hits, including a solo home run in the fourth inning, while Adrian Santana opened the game with a leadoff homer to immediately set the tone.
Wilmington (26-25) managed seven hits against Bowling Green starter Jacob Kisting, but struggled to capitalize with runners in scoring position.
Ethan Petry accounted for both Blue Rocks runs, driving in one with a double in the first inning before adding an RBI single in the fifth. T.J. White and Angel Feliz each finished with two hits, while Ronny Cruz added a double and Kevin Bazzell chipped in a base hit.
White said the Blue Rocks need to be better in key moments offensively.
“We just gotta do a better job with guys in scoring position,” White said. “Like myself too, just not being too impatient and letting the game come to you.”
After a difficult road trip in Brooklyn where Wilmington won only two games, White was also happy to return home to Frawley Stadium.
“You can definitely see the ball better when you’re at home,” White said. “It’s good to be back in Frawley in front of the fans.”
Despite the lopsided loss, Wilmington still has five games remaining in the series against one of the league’s top teams.
The Blue Rocks return to action Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m. with Riley Maddox expected to start for Wilmington.
“What’s the baseball saying? You’re only as good as tomorrow’s starter,” Tom said. “Riley Maddox is gonna give us a really good outing, stick to his strengths, and give us a chance to win.”
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