The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (40-38, 8-5) played game four on Friday night at City Stadium against the Hill City Howlers (33-46, 2-11). Javier Perez was on the mound for Fayetteville against Ryan DeSanto of Hill City.
It was a pitcher’s duel with both starters keeping the game scoreless through five innings. Fayetteville starter Javier Perez went five innings, allowing two hits, and struck out nine, throwing 66 pitches, of which 48 were strikes.
At the top of the sixth inning, Hill City pitcher Evan Chrest gave up a double to Anthony Huezo and walked Xavier Neyens. Fayetteville third baseman Waner Luciano hit a three-run home run to left field to put the Woodpeckers ahead 3-0. It was his third home run of the season. With two outs, Hector Salas struck out swinging, and the inning was over.
Rafael Gonzalez pitched for Fayetteville in the bottom of the sixth inning. Gonzalez allowed a hit and two walks that loaded the bases with two outs. Riley Nelson lined out to center fielder Anthony Huezo to get out of the jam and end the inning.
Gonzalez went on to pitch four innings, allowing a hit, three walks, and struck out six, getting the final 12 outs of the game. The Woodpeckers shut out the Howlers 3-0 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. They can win the series on Saturday.
Fayetteville finished the night with four hits, went 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position, and left four men on base. The win went to Fayetteville starter Javier Perez (6-3), while Rafael Gonzalez earned his first save of the season, and the loss went to Hill City pitcher Evan Chrest (0-1).
The Woodpeckers and Howlers play game five on Saturday at 6:30 pm on the MLB App and Bally Sports Live. Fayetteville has yet to name a starter, while Harrison Bodendorf (0-2, 2.73 ERA) will be on the mound for Hill City.
