The Wilmington Blue Rocks struggled against the Greensboro Grasshoppers last week in a six-game series that began on June 9. Wilmington lost five of the six games, with its lone victory coming Thursday in a 9-5 win.
The Blue Rocks have now lost 10 of their last 12 games as they prepare to return to Frawley Stadium on Tuesday.
Even though the series didn't produce many wins, No. 1 Nationals prospect Eli Willits provided plenty of excitement in his first week at the High-A level. The 18-year-old's offensive production was contagious, as Wilmington scored at least five runs in five of the six games, including three games with six or more runs.
The unfortunate part of the series was the pitching. Since the start of June, the Blue Rocks have struggled to find consistency from most of their staff. Riley Maddox continued his strong season, while Miguel Sime Jr. struck out nine batters on Friday.
Overall, there were plenty of positives, but Wilmington was unable to turn those positives into victories.
Game Recaps
Game 1 (June 9) — at Greensboro — Grasshoppers win 7-5
In his High-A debut, Willits didn't record a hit but walked twice. He wouldn't have to wait long for his first hit, though. Elijah Green got Wilmington off to a fast start with a two-run homer, his ninth of the season, off Pirates No. 1 prospect Seth Hernandez. The Blue Rocks led 3-0 entering the fourth inning, but Greensboro answered with three runs to tie the game. The teams traded blows throughout the middle innings, with both clubs holding leads at different points. Ultimately, Greensboro pulled away late to secure the win. Mikey Tepper made his first start since May, pitching 3 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out four, walked three and didn't allow an earned run.
Game 2 (June 10) — at Greensboro — Grasshoppers win 4-3
Willits announced himself to Wilmington by homering twice. The blasts were also his first two hits at the High-A level. Ronny Cruz and Yeremy Cabrera each recorded two hits as Wilmington totaled 11 hits on the night, but it wasn't enough to overcome Greensboro. Maddox was impressive, tossing six innings and allowing two runs on two hits while striking out seven and walking two. The Blue Rocks led until the seventh inning, when Greensboro hit back-to-back solo home runs to take the lead and spoil Maddox's dominant outing.
Game 3 (June 11) — at Greensboro — Blue Rocks win 9-5
Green opened the scoring once again with his 10th home run of the season. Willits stayed hot, hitting his third homer in as many games. Wilmington also got a strong outing from Yoel Tejeda Jr., who pitched five innings, struck out five and allowed just one run. The offense was clicking from top to bottom as all nine Blue Rocks starters recorded a hit. Cabrera, Green and Kyle Farmer each finished with two hits. Willits' ninth-inning home run put Wilmington ahead by four runs and effectively sealed the victory.
Game 4 (June 12) — at Greensboro — Grasshoppers win 7-6
Sime was the star of the night. The right-hander did his best to keep Greensboro at bay, striking out nine batters over 4 2/3 innings while allowing just one run. Teo Banks and Willits both homered to help Wilmington take a 2-1 lead. The Blue Rocks carried a 5-4 advantage into the eighth inning, but Greensboro rallied against Eiker Huizi and Adam Boucher for three runs. Banks brought home a run with an RBI double in the ninth, but Wilmington's comeback fell short as the Blue Rocks dropped another close game.
Game 5 (June 13) — at Greensboro — Grasshoppers win 8-7
The Blue Rocks struck first again. Angel Feliz blasted his fourth home run of the season in the first inning to give Wilmington a 2-0 lead. Feliz, newcomer Jacob Walsh and Kevin Bazzell each recorded two hits. Starter Alexander Meckley was solid, allowing two earned runs over 4 1/3 innings while striking out one. This time, Greensboro nearly blew a big lead. Wilmington rallied from a 7-2 deficit to tie the game at 7-7 after Bazzell's RBI double. However, in the bottom of the ninth inning, Greensboro's Tony Blanco Jr. hit a walk-off solo home run to win the game and clinch the series.
Game 6 (June 14) — at Greensboro — Grasshoppers win 8-5
On Sunday, Greensboro jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The Grasshoppers scored five runs in the first three innings, knocking Tepper from the game after just two innings. He allowed three runs in the loss. The Blue Rocks mounted a comeback attempt. Farmer homered to cut Greensboro's lead to 5-3, but Jhonny Severino answered with a home run of his own in the next inning to halt Wilmington's momentum. Feliz added a homer in the eighth inning, but Greensboro held on to complete the series victory.
Next Series
The Blue Rocks are finally done with their difficult stretch to begin June. Wilmington opened the month against Bowling Green before traveling to Greensboro, with both opponents sitting near the top of their respective divisions.
Now the Brooklyn Cyclones (25-37) head to Frawley Stadium for a six-game series. The last time these teams met, Brooklyn won four of the six games at home. This will be the Cyclones' first trip to Wilmington this season.
Brooklyn sits fourth in the South Atlantic League North, and a strong series could allow the Cyclones to close the gap in the standings.
The series opens Tuesday, June 16. Maddox is scheduled to start for Wilmington against Dakota Hawkins, with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m.