In Wilmington, Delaware, the Lynchburg Hillcats held a 2-0 lead until the Blue Rocks bats exploded for five runs in the seventh inning, and Delaware went on to claim a 5-2 victory on Saturday night at Frawley Stadium.
Wilmington (4-6) sent nine batters to the plate in the fateful seventh. Blue Rocks catcher Meibrys Viloria blasted a game-tying two-run homer in that frame, finishing with two hits on the day, while right fielder Khalil Lee knocked a two-run double.
The 19-year-old Lee also bruised Lynchburg on Friday with three hits, including a homer.
Hillcats reliever Luis Jiminez (0-1) took the loss, surrendering four runs (all earned) on four hits. He relieved starter Justin Garza, who allowed just two hits and struck out five in five innings of work.
Lynchburg (4-6) got on the board in the second inning with Logan Ice’s RBI sacrifice fly.
Conner Capel blasted a solo homer in the fourth to give the ‘Cats their 2-0 lead. Lynchburg tagged Wilmington starter Arnaldo Hernandez for seven hits, but managed just one after he left the ball game.
Hernandez completed 3 1/3 innings of work in front of 5,428 spectators. Wilmington relievers Jared Ruxter, Grant Gavin and Bryan Brickhouse kept Lynchburg scoreless over the next 5 2/3.
The Hillcats will try to avoid dropping the series today when they send right-hander Jake Paulson (0-1, 8.10 ERA) to the mound. Lynchburg will face lefty Cristian Castillo (0-1, 4.35 ERA) for the 1:35 p.m. start.
Capel went 2 for 4 and scored twice for the Hillcats, who finished with eight hits. Leadoff hitter Mitch Longo added a double.