A five-run 6th turned a slim 3-2 lead into a 7-3 deficit that Potomac could not overcome, as they dropped their fourth straight to Myrtle Beach by a 7-4 score.
Starter Phillips Valdez struggled with his command in the first inning, giving up two runs before retiring his first batter as a walk, single, and a steal put two runners in scoring position for Jacob Rogers’ double to the right-centerfield gap. He would issue two more walks but escaped further damage.
Unfortunately, much like the old saw that the prizefighter who lands the first solid punch wins the fight, such is the case with the P-Nats in 2015. Potomac’s record when that happens: 16-32 (vs. 28-15).
Valdez would recover to put in four scoreless innings before getting lifted after five innings. His final line: 5IP, 3H, 2R, 2ER, 5BB, 5K.
Meanwhile, rehabbers Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth joined the team and combined for three hits and two RBI, but only exerted enough energy to not get hurt. Werth, for example, watched a would-be double to the gap before settling for a single while pinch-runner Narciso Mesa scored all the way from first base.
The wheels came off the bus in 6th when Tyler Mapes was knocked for five runs on on five hits, including a three-run homer to put the game out of reach. Derek Self and Brian Dupra combined for three scoreless innings afterwards.
Potomac would score one last time in the 9th as Alec Keller singled and took second on an error with one out, then scored on Narciso Mesa’s single. Spencer Kieboom would lead the regulars with a 2-for-4 night, though he also struck out twice.
Despite the loss, Potomac remains in 1st place in the C.L. North by a ½ game as they make the short trip to Frederick for three against the Keys. Reynaldo Lopez (5-5, 4.30) gets the ball, opposed by Frederick’s Ariel Miranda (0-1, 5.63).