Burgess and Milone help P-Nats win

Michael Burgess applauded as he stood on second base in the bottom of the first inning.
His two-run double had put the Potomac Nationals ahead of the Wilmington Blue Rocks 2-0 and followed singles from Danny Espinosa and Jesus Valdez.
Gradually, the Nationals were awakening from their offensive slumber.
Three runs came home in the bottom of the first, setting the stage for Potomac’s 9-0 victory to snap Wilmington’s 12-game win streak.
The production, coupled with left-hander Tom Milone’s six and a third, six-hit, one walk, six strikeout performance, allowed Potomac to snap its four-game losing skid and earn its 63rd victory this year, making Pfitzner Stadium’s home clubhouse a more upbeat site after one could hear a pin drop after Friday’s 8-1 defeat.
On Saturday, players smiled as they played cards and ate the postgame meal with “America’s Most Wanted” on the television at the center of the room.
“Our attitudes are more upbeat,” Milone said. “To snap a losing streak is always a good thing.
“That was a good confidence booster for now when you can go out there and pitch with the lead and for our hitters.”
All runs were scored in the first three innings. By the time Espinosa grounded to his shortstop counterpart Anthony Seratelli to end the third, the Nationals (26-16 second half, 63-46 overall) had seven hits, signaling the offense was again moving forward following a futile period.
Potomac put together a two-hit performance on Friday, had scored two runs in its past two games and had put up three runs or less in four of six August contests.
“It’s great to be back on the winning track,” Burgess said.
Boomer Whiting singled with one out in the second. He advanced to third when Wilmington starting pitcher Alex Caldera’s pickoff throw sailed past first baseman Eric Hosmer.
Michael Martinez was hit by a pitch and went to second when Espinosa walked.
Valdez grounded reached on a fielder’s choice. As Espinosa was out on a force play, Whiting scored to give the Nationals a 4-0 edge.
Burgess stepped to the plate with Valdez at first and Martinez at third.
Burgess worked the count 2-0 before driving Caldera’s next offering toward straightaway center field.
The ball traveled 400-plus feet, sailing over the center field wall for Burgess’s team-best 19th home run this year.
He shook manager Trent Jewett’s hand as he rounded third base before touching home plate and greeting Valdez and Martinez.
It was Burgess’s last hit of the night. Strikeouts in his last two at-bats forced him to finish 2 for 4.
But Burgess collected five RBI and the double and home run were a shot in the arm for someone batting only .190 in 121 previous at-bats with runners in scoring position.
“Patience,” Burgess said when asked the key to his at-bat. “It was about getting a good pitch to hit. I wanted a good pitch and I waited until it came to me.”
Devin Ivany doubled home Tim Pahuta and Dan Nelson in the third to complete Potomac’s scoring.
The huge lead was more than enough for Milone, who improved to 8-4 following his third straight home victory.
Wilmington managed one hit off Jesse Estrada, who relieved Milone with a runner on first base in the seventh.
Dan Leatherman pitched the final inning and issued one walk.
Leatherman recorded the final out when he tagged out Robinson, who grounded the ball down the first base line.
Once the victory was official, the 6,614 fans stood to applaud Potomac’s effort before fireworks filled the Pfitzner Stadium sky during Saturday’s usual fireworks display.
“It’s always good to pitch great at home,” Milone said. “I’ve been having some good outings here and it’s easier to pitch when you have a crowd like this behind you.”