The Suns defeated the visiting Lexington Legend 7 to 1 on Saturday 3 May in front of a sparse crowd at Municipal Stadium. The win gives Patrick Anderson’s high flying Hagerstown Suns a record of 20-7 in SALY League play.
Anderson is best known for his highly successful work with the 2013 CGL Nationals. Anderson managed at Hofstra before signing on with Washington, an unusual route in baseball although Anderson has roots in the Washington area.
Anderson has some talented athletes on his squad. The team has a “hit them were they ain’t” offense coupled with aggressive base running that kept Lexington off-balance. Prospects include Drew Ward and center fielder Rafael Bautista. Ward had an off night, no doubt feeling squeezed by the umpire on two occasions. In the first inning he was very animated in his protest. In the field at third base Ward made a very good play and some not so good plays. Bautista is blessed with amazing speed, exhibited by his triple late in the game. Isaac Ballou, batting leadoff also showed up well, working two walks in the game. Ballou was born in Germantown.
Pitching might be a strong suit for Hagerstown this year. Lucas Giolito is well known, but the team also has Jacob Johansen, a highly regarded prospect.
The star tonight is Nick Pivetta. Nick picked up his 4th win of the season. He is now 4-2 3.71 ERA. It was a sparkling display of talent against the visiting Lexington Legend. He pitched five innings allowing just three hits, probably cut short by a pitch count limit. Nick was no doubt helped by the presence of family members in the crowd. Pivetta hails from the picturesque municipality of Victoria, British Columbia. Not know as a baseball hot spot.
Pivetta stands 6-05 and has an easy delivery. His fastball topped out at 95 mph, but typically sits at 93 mph. He has a devastating curve ball but needs to work on his control, having difficulty in throwing strikes, especially first ball strikes.
Pivetta is a work in progress. He is young, has limited baseball experience and must add to his arsenal of pitches if he expects to be a major league starter. He was selected by Washington in the 2013 draft in the 4th round. Pivetta pitched for New Mexico JC in 2012 and 2013, his combined record, 10-2 with a 3.92 ERA, 78 strikeouts and 40 walks in 129.2 innings.
Like the rain clouds that swirled around the old fashioned ball park during the game, the future of baseball in the “Hub City” is once again in doubt. Attendance is down and rumors are once circulating that franchise will relocate. Certainly a new stadium would help, time will tell, but a rainbow did come out in the 5th inning, anything is possible.
Mention should be made of the young lady who sang “Take me out to the ball game.” She might have been four years of age and handled like the task like a veteran, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd.
