Another loss closes out Hillcats’ half

By Andy Bitter

Published: June 15, 2008

The first half of the Carolina League season is officially over, and to that the Hillcats say good riddance.

Three Indians pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts as Lynchburg closed the half with a listless 5-0 loss to Kinston at City Stadium on Sunday.

The Hillcats’ 29-41 record at the halfway point is their worst in seven years. The 2001 club was 27-40 before the break.

All the more reason to use today’s off day as a chance to start over.

“As far as record-wise, it wipes it clean,” Lynchburg manager Jeff Branson said. “But again, we’re still building on things we did in the first half.

“We’re going to continue to get better and we’re still going to work and we’re still going to develop these guys to be able to be ready for the next level.”

Hillcats starter Brian Holliday (1-7) lost his sixth straight start, giving up three runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Kinston (35-34) did its damage in small doses. Jason Denham, the second batter of the game, hit a solo home run to start things.

The Indians would add a run in the fourth and fifth before Holliday left with one out and two on in the fifth inning.

“He only gave up one run here, one run there, one run here,” Branson said. “It’s much better than giving up the four or the three (in one inning).

“So I thought he threw the ball decently. Down in the zone a lot more, a lot more consistent.”

So how to explain the 10 hits, the fourth time in five starts Holliday’s opponent has reached double digits?

“I didn’t say he was down in the zone with every pitch,” Branson said.

In his last eight starts, Holliday has allowed 39 earned runs in 34 2/3 innings (10.13 ERA). This after posting a 1.52 ERA through the first month.

“Anytime you struggle, it’s tough to get out of it,” Branson said. “But, you have to have the mind set of, ‘I’m not going to let this happen anymore. I’m going to make sure I get it there.’”

Lynchburg didn’t offer much help offensively. The Hillcats had seven hits and few rallies.

Their best opportunity came in the first inning when Jamie Romak snuck a double just inside third base and down the line.

Jim Negrych, who was on first after singling, tried to score, but he hesitated around second. The relay throw to the plate beat him by 15 feet. He tried to bowl over catcher Rich Martinez but couldn’t dislodge the ball.

From there, the Hillcats whiffed at will. Kinston starter Hector Rondon (4-3) showed why he is now tied for first in the Carolina League in strikeouts, fanning seven in five innings.

“It’s more us. We extended our zone, chased balls up,” Branson said. “You have to give him credit too, though. It kind of goes both ways.”

Relievers Neil Wagner and Jim Deters struck out three batters apiece in four combined shutout innings.

Notes

No Hillcat had more than one hit. … The Indians finished with 16 hits, matching a season high. Six players had multiple hits. Drennen, Jared Head, Jared Goedert and Niuman Romero all doubled. … Hillcats all-star shortstop Brian Friday (back) didn’t play for the fourth straight game.