April 12, 2024
Zebulon,NC- Following Game 1 the Carolina Mudcats (6-1) squared off against the Down East Wood Ducks (4-3) in the nightcap of the doubleheader. The starting pitcher for the Carolina Mudcats was Bishop Letson while William Bormie made the start for Down East. The Carolina Mudcats, who now hold sole possession of 2nd place, were able to continue their winning ways to start the season under new manager Nick Stanley.
In the top of the first, the Wood Ducks drew 2 walks, but were held scoreless thanks to great pitching from Letson. Letson was dominant throughout his 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings racking up 6 strikeouts during a fantastic night on the mound.
The Mudcats were able to draw 2 walks in the bottom of the second, but they could not scratch any runs across during the inning.
The top of the 4th K.C. Hunt notched a pair of strike outs to put the Wood Ducks down in order. In the bottom half of the inning the Mudcats finally broke through with a towering solo shot by Daniel Guilarte. It was his first of the season and gave the Mudcats a lead they would never relinquish. Kay-Lan Nicasia walked and proceeded to follow it up with 2 straight stolen bases. He ended up swiping 3 on the night giving him 4 already on the season. An RBI-single by Yhoswar Garcia drove in Nicasia giving the Mudcats the lead 2-0.
In the top of the 5th, Down East loaded the bases but an amazing catch by Juan Baez on an Arturo Disla line drive kept the game scoreless through 5.
Harrison Durow and K.C Hunt combined for 4 and 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Letson including 7 more strikeouts while allowing only 1 hit. The pitching from the Mudcats proved to be difference as Letson, Hunt, and Durow combined for 13 total strikeouts and allowed just 2 hits. the Mudcats completed the Friday Night doubleheader sweep with a 2-0 victory over the Wood Ducks. Afterwards they celebrated with their traditional Friday fireworks but the fireworks were already on display earlier with the Mudcats stellar play.
With the win, the Carolina Mudcats moved to 6-1 on the season while the Wood Ducks fell to 4-3 on the season. The next game will be tomorrow night April 13th at 5 p.m at Five County Stadium.