A two-run bottom-of-the-second inning for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (47-62, 17-26 second half) on Tuesday night proved enough down the stretch to win a 3-1 series opener over the Lynchburg Hillcats at Segra Stadium.
Jeron Williams helped start the two-run second with a leadoff walk, was granted second base on a balk, and advanced to third on an errant pickoff throw from Abel Brito (L, 0-3). A wild pitch would score Williams and give Fayetteville the 1-0 lead.
Later in the inning, Jackson Loftin was hit by a pitch and stole second base to enter scoring position for Brice Matthews. Matthews responded by ripping a double off the left-center field wall for his sixth RBI of the season and a 2-0 advantage.
The third run of the night scored in the bottom of the sixth when Wardquelin Vasquez loaded the bases and struck Cam Fisher in the bill of the helmet with a pitch.
Starter Amilcar Chirinos went 4.1 scoreless innings and struck out four Hillcats before handing the ball to Deury Carrasco for the final two outs of the fifth. Carlos Espinosa (W, 3-3) closed the game with 4.0 innings of one-run ball to earn his third win.
The Woodpeckers will continue the six-game series with Lynchburg on Wednesday night at Segra Stadium with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Third-round draft pick and right-hander Jake Bloss (0-0, -.–) is projected to make his Single-A debut on the mound. Lynchburg will start left-hander Adam Tulloch (3-5, 5.71 ERA).
Fans can bring their pups to the game for just $1.
