Woodies continue domination of Mudcats

If the Down East Wood Ducks could play the Carolina Mudcats every night at Historic Grainger Stadium, they might have a chance to defend their 2017 Carolina League championship.

Behind another strong offensive and pitching effort, the Woodies (17-35 second half, 52-70 overall) stayed unbeaten against Carolina (23-27, 57-63) in 2018 at home with a 6-2 victory Wednesday in front of 1,145 fans.

The Wood Ducks improved to 8-0 this season at home against the Mudcats with the victory. They pounded out 11 hits, including a 3-for-5 night by leadoff hitter Leody Taveras, who finished a double short of the cycle.

The 6-1, 170-pound, 19-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic homered in the first inning, singled in the second and tripled in the fourth to finish with three RBIs. He grounded out to shortstop in the sixth inning and to second base in the eighth.

Three other Woodies – Anderson Tejeda, Chuck Leblanc and Alex Kowalczyk – had two hits and an RBI apiece.

Emerson Martinez turned in a spectacular effort on the mound for the DEWDs, giving up only four hits and a walk while striking out eight in six innings. He gave up two runs, both earned, in his crisp 99-pitch performance.

Joantgel Segovia had two of Carolina’s five hits to lead the Mudcats offense.

The Woodies and Mudcats complete their three-game series Thursday at Historic Grainger Stadium. It’ll be Throwback Thursday at the ballpark; all tickets are only $5, while select beer and soft drinks are only $1 each. The team is also having $1 hot dog night at the game.