by Ryan Mock:special report to Greensborosports.com
Hagerstown, MD: The Hagerstown Suns (18-34) lost the opening game of a four game series with the Greensboro Grasshoppers (25-28) in 10 innings by a final score of 6-5 on Thursday.
Leading 3-1 going into the top of the 9th inning, the Suns allowed four unearned runs to the Grasshoppers against relievers Aaron Jackson and Coby Mavroulis.
Hagerstown would not go quietly, as Trevor Lawhorn led off with a double and Jonathan Castro reached on an infield single. After Robby Jacobsen and Mike Martinez struck out, Francisco Plasencia delivered an RBI single into center field, driving in Lawhorn. Castro then scored the tying run, as Greensboro shortstop Guillermo Martinez could not handle Marcos Cabrals ground ball.
The first pitch of the 10th inning doomed the Suns, however, as Spike McDougall hit the first pitch he saw for a home run down the right field line.
The Suns rallied again in the bottom of the 10th, but with two outs Jonathan Castro was called out on a very close play at the plate to end the game.
Coby Mavroulis (0-1) was saddled with the loss, allowing three runs in 1.2 innings pitched. Only one of the three runs was earned.
Blake Jones earned the win for Greensboro, pitching two scoreless innings.
Yunior Novoa had a very good start for Hagerstown, pitching five innings, allowing four hits and only one unearned run while striking out seven Grasshoppers.
Tom Cowley started for Greensboro, pitching six innings and allowing three runs. Neither starting pitcher factored in the decision.