Final: Wilmington 7, Lynchburg 1
WP: Eduardo Paulino (1-0)
LP: Justin Wilson (0-1)
The Hillcats dropped game 1 of the Carolina League Semifinals to Wilmington on Wednesday night by a score of 7-1.
2008 5th round pick Justin Wilson (pictured), who knows a thing or two about playoff runs, took the hill for Lynchburg. Wilson was the winning pitcher in the final game of the College World Series last year during Fresno State's remarkable run to a National Championship. Wilson struck out the side in his first inning but then gave up 4 runs in the 2nd inning due in large part to 2 Hillcat errors. Out of the 4 runs, only 1 was earned. Other than that little hiccup, Wilson was spectacular, as those would be the only runs he would surrender. He struck out 9 batters and didn't allow a single walk. It was Wilson's 2nd best strikeout game of the season. He K'd 11 Myrtle Beach Pelicans on August 16th in 7 scoreless innings.
The Hillcat offense was stymied by Paulino as Lynchburg collected just 6 hits all night. Their lone run came on a home run from SS Jordy Mercer. Mercer was the Pirates' 3rd round pick in 2008. Prospects Chase d'Arnaud, Josh Harrison, and 2009 1st rounder Tony Sanchez combined to go 0 for 12.
Game 2 of the best-of-5 series will be played Thursday in Lynchburg at 7:05. Rudy Owens will be taking the hill for the Hillcats.
