HAGERSTOWN FALLS IN SERIES FINALE 8-3

HAGERSTOWN, MD – Over 3,000 children, parents and teachers enjoyed a mid-day game at Municipal Stadium on Tuesday for the second education day of the year.

The Greensboro Grasshoppers (17-14) spoiled the afternoon by defeating the Hagerstown Suns (15-17) 8-3.

After a Jake Smolinski first inning double to left field, Bill Rhinehart knocked a two-run blast to right-center field, his fifth of the season.

Greensboro would bounce back in the top of the third after Hunter Mense scored on a RBI single by Ryan Anestsberger.

Atahualpa Severino (2-2) relieved starter Luis Atilano and took the loss as he served up a two run home run by Ryan Curry and a solo shot by Mike Stanton in the sixth.

Cristhian Martinez (3-1) was solid as he pitched into the seventh inning and gave up three runs and scattered seven hits.

Steven Souza started a seventh inning rally but was the only Suns batter to score. Souza doubled to left field and advanced to third on a Tim Pahuta single. Stephen Englund walked to load the bases with one out. One batter later, Souza came home on a bases loaded walk by Boomer Whiting.

Stanton would crush his second home run of the game over the center field wall off Suns’ reliever Martin Beno. The Grasshoppers went on to score four runs in the inning to take the victory and the series.

The Suns have a day off Wednesday before they hit the road for an eight game road trip starting with West Virginia on Thursday night at 7:05 from Appalachian Power Park.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class “A” affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Ticket packages and sponsorships are available by calling the Suns at 301-791-6266. Visit the Suns on the web at www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties.