Woodies fall in 10 innings

A change of uniforms couldn’t help the Down East Wood Ducks break out of their RISP slump.

The Woodies – playing in Throwback Thursday Kinston Indians uniforms – lost to the Lynchburg Hillcats, 3-2, in 10 innings at Historic Grainger Stadium.

The Wood Ducks (11-24 second half, 46-59 overall) have struggled mightily in the second half with RISP – runners in scoring position – and that statistic was on full display in Thursday’s defeat as the Woodies finished a paltry 1-for-13.

Emerson Martinez only gave up two hits and no runs while striking out two and walking one in six strong innings of work but didn’t factor into the final decision due to a blown save by right-hander David Lebron. Lebron gave up three hits and two earned runs in two innings of work to pick up the blown save while Jairo Beras fell to 2-2 with two innings of work.

Mitch Longo’s RBI single in the 10th proved to be the difference in the game. Lynchburg (19-15, 48-53) only had six hits in the game, and no Hillcat had more than one.

The DEWDs had eight hits and were led by Josh Altmann’s 2-for-5 performance and Brendon Davis’ 2-for-4 night. Altmann and Ricky Valencia picked up the DEWD RBIs.

The Woodies begin a three-game series with the Frederick Keys Friday at Grainger Stadium. It’s Mother Earth Friday at the ballpark; any fan that brings an empty beer can to the game gets $3 off a game ticket. There will also be a post-game fireworks show and food trucks on site. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the first pitch is at 7.