The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (45-44, 13-11) visited Virginia Credit Union Stadium on Tuesday night to begin a six-game series against the Fredericksburg Nationals (57-34, 11-14). Juan Fraide was on the mound for Fayetteville against Adam Bogosian of Fredericksburg.
At the top of the first inning with two outs, Fayetteville center fielder Kevin Alvarez hit a solo home run to center field, putting the Woodpeckers up 1-0. It was his eighth home run of the season. A groundout by Juan Sierra ended the inning.
At the top of the second inning with one out, D.J. Newman grounded out to second baseman Luke Dickerson, scoring Arturo Flores for a 2-0 lead. Designated hitter Josh Wakefield followed up by hitting an RBI single to left field, scoring Jadyn Fielder for a 3-0 lead. German Ramirez struck out swinging, and the inning was over.
At the top of the third inning, Waner Luciano hit a single and stole second base. A throwing error by catcher Brady Cerkownyk allowed Luciano to score for a 4-0 lead. Later, Fayetteville had a runner on second base when Jadyn Fielder hit an RBI single to center field, scoring Juan Sierra for a 5-0 lead. With two outs, a flyout by Brandon Nigh ended the inning.
At the top of the fourth inning, Fayetteville had a runner on second base when Kevin Alvarez hit an RBI single to center field, scoring Josh Wakefield for a 6-0 lead. With two outs, Waner Luciano reached first base on a fielder’s choice, while Kevin Alvarez was out at second base to end the inning.
At the top of the sixth inning, Fayetteville had a runner on third base with nobody out when D.J. Newman hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Brandon Nigh for a 7-0 lead. Not long after, rain began to fall at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Fayetteville starter Juan Fraide went five innings, allowing three hits, two walks, and striking out six, throwing 73 pitches, of which 48 were strikes.
After 30 minutes, the game was called. The Woodpeckers shut out the Nationals 7-0. Fayetteville finished the night with nine hits, went 3 for 8 with runners in scoring position, and left four men on base. Kevin Alvarez went 2 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs, and Jayden Fielder went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a stolen base.
The win went to Fayetteville starter Juan Fraide (3-1), and the loss went to Fredericksburg starter Adam Bogosian (0-1). The Woodpeckers and Nationals play game two on Wednesday at 6:35 pm on the MLB App and Bally Sports Live. Fayetteville has yet to name a starter, while Travis Sthele (4-0, 0.35 ERA) of Fredericksburg.
