FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Fredericksburg Nationals now sit just a game up in first place after Tuesday’s 9-5 series-opening loss against the Carolina Mudcats.
Carolina gained an all-important game on the FredNats (61-62, 31-27) to clinch the final playoff spot in the North Division of the Carolina League, using a seven-run outburst over the first three innings of play.
Fredericksburg starter Brayan Romero was unable to get through two innings of work, allowing four hits and five runs across 1.2 innings, walking four batters. The first four pitchers of the night for the FredNats walked at least two batters each as the Mudcats drew 12 walks in the win.
Relief pitchers Andy Luis and Tommy Kane each allowed two runs in relief, allowing the lead to surge to 9-0.
The bats were awake and alive on Tuesday, despite the loss, as all nine FredNats hitters recorded at least one hit. Jorgelys Mota had a two-hit, two-RBI night and Nick Peoples hit his seventh home run of the season, a two-run shot in the bottom of the seventh.
Fredericksburg and Carolina continue their series Tuesday morning, Education Day at Virginia Credit Union Stadium with an 11:35 a.m. EST start.