
Photo via Carolina Mudcats on X
July 3rd, 2025
Zebulon, NC- The Carolina Mudcats (9-3) played host to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (5-7) in a Thursday evening contest. The Mudcats entered tonight’s contest 2.0 games ahead of the Fredericksburg Nationals (7-5) in the second half North Division standing. The Mudcats sent Travis Smith (1-4) to the mound who entered tonight’s game with a 4.50 ERA in 50 innings pitched. The Woodpeckers sent Raimy Rodriguez (3-4) to the mound who entered tonight’s game with a 4.55 ERA in 55.1 innings pitched. Jesus Made checked in at number 8 in MLB Pipeline’s new Top 100 Prospects Ranking.
The Mudcats struck in the bottom of the first when Eric Bitonti scored on a single to right by Filippo Di Turi which gave the Mudcats a 1-0 lead. Fayetteville struck in the top of the sixth when Jancel Villaroel scored on a balk by Travis Smith which tied the game at 1-1. The Mudcats responded in the bottom half when Jose Anderson scored on a sacrifice fly to left by Tyler Rodriguez which gave the Mudcats a 2-1 lead.
Travis Smith pitched 6 innings where he allowed 1 run on 4 hits. Raimy Rodriguez threw 5.1 innings where he allowed 2 runs on 5 hits.
The Mudcats struck in the bottom of the seventh when Edgardo Ordonez scored on a double play by Jose Anderson which increased the Mudcats lead to 3-1. The Mudcats had the bases loaded later in the inning, but did not add any more runs before the end of the inning. The Mudcats slammed the door in the top of the ninth which secured the 3-1 victory over the Woodpeckers in the Mudcats for America game.
Bryan Rivera threw 2 scoreless innings where he only allowed 1 hit. Abel Mercedes threw 1 scoreless inning where he allowed 2 walks. Anfemny Reyes threw 1 scoreless inning where he only allowed 1 walk.
Travis Smith earned the win for his 6 innings where he only allowed 1 run. The lost went to Raimy Rodriguez for his 5.1 innings where he allowed 2 runs. The save went to Anfemny Reyes for his 1 scoreless inning. The Mudcats second half record improved to 9-3 while the Woodpeckers record fell to 5-7 on the half. The Mudcats are back in action tomorrow night at 7:05 pm against the Woodpeckers in Fayetteville.