Hernandez strong for Mudcats

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on July 31, 2007 1:48 PM

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ZEBULON -- Gaby Hernandez scattered seven hits in a complete-game effort as Carolina turned back Jacksonville 5-2 on Monday evening at Five County Stadium.

A Miami native, Hernandez allowed just one batter to see three balls in the pitching count. He earned his first victory over the Suns in five starts and improved to 7-8 overall.

Jacksonville threatened to spoil Hernandez's superb outing in the seventh. The Suns pounded out three consecutive hits and posted a run on the board. Carolina turned an inning-ending double play to preserve Hernandez's lead.

Blake DeWitt provided Jacksonville's other run, an eighth-inning homer.

The Mudcats gave Hernandez a five-run cushion in the third inning. Johnny Raburn started a third inning campaign that saw five straight extra base hits off Suns starter Justin Orenduff. Rex Rundgren followed Raburn's double with a triple which started the scoring on the night.

Chase Lambin then sent a rocket over the right field fence to give Carolina a 3-0 lead. A pair of doubles by Lee Mitchell and Frank Moore ended the Mudcats' scoring on the night.

Orenduff fell to 6-4.

The teams continue the series tonight. Blake McGinley (3-7, 4.71 ERA) will start for Carolina, while Joey Norrito (7-1, 2.81) gets the nod for Jacksonville. Game time is 7:15 p.m.