K-Tribe destroys Lynchburg

Published in Sports on August 3, 2007 1:48 PM

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KINSTON -- Kinston shortstop Josh Rodriguez slugged two home runs, including a grand slam, in a 22-10 thrashing of Lynchburg at historic Grainger Stadium on Thursday evening.

Rodriguez, who has a team-leading 60 RBI, concluded the wild outing with three hits and season-high nine RBI in five plate appearances. Overall, the K-Tribe punished the Hillcat pitching staff for 19 hits and sent at least nine batters to the plate in four innings.

Three K-Tribe players collected four or more RBI and seven recorded multiple-hit efforts. Wes Hodges batted 4-for-5, while Armando Camacaro contributed three hits in three at-bats. Jose Constanza (four RBI) and Jerad Geodert (five RBI) each supplied two hits.

The 22-run output surpassed Kinston's 21-run effort against Myrtle Beach on June 8.

Kinston (69-38 overall) scored six runs in the bottom of the second inning on just three hits, as Lynchburg starting pitcher Jean Garavito walked the first three batters of the inning. Goedert and Constanza each provided a two-RBI hit, while Rodriguez capped the uprising with a two-run homer to left field.

Lynchburg forged a 6-6 tie, only to see Kinston continue its offensive onslaught in the bottom of the third. Three walks and three hits, including Rodriguez's two-RBI double, put the K-Tribe ahead for good.

Hodges homered in the fourth inning and the Hillcats eventually climbed within 12-10. Rodriguez's grand slam polished off a 10-run surge over a two-inning span and Lynchburg never record. It was Rodriguez's 12th homer of the season.

Chris Niesel remained unbeaten in three outings with one-hit relief out of the bullpen. Neil Wagner tossed two innings behind Niesel.

Patrick Bresnehan (4-3) picked up the loss for Lynchburg, which had four pitchers surrender five or more earned runs on the night.

The teams continue their three-game series tonight. Jim Deters (7-3, 2.21 ERA) will start for Kinston. Game time is 7 p.m.