K-Tribe falls to Nationals

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on August 23, 2007 1:48 PM

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KINSTON -- Kinston continued its unwelcomed late-season slump with a 6-3 loss Wednesday evening against Potomac at historic Grainger Stadium.

The Nationals swept the K-Tribe, whose lead dwindled to 31/2 games over Salem in second-half Southern Division play. Kinston (34-25) takes today off and begins a three-game, home weekend series Friday against Frederick.

Potomac (31-27) moved within five games of Wilmington in the Northern Division. The Nationals entertain Myrtle Beach on Friday.

Kinston starter Steven Wright struggled in the opening inning and surrendered three runs. The K-Tribe answered with Jerad Head's RBI sacrifice fly, while Matt Whitney slugged a two-RBI, third-inning homer -- his 30th of the season.

The Nationals answered with Justin Maxwell's two-run blast in the fourth.

The K-Tribe managed just three hits in the final six innings.

Chris Niesel (3-1) endured the loss in relief of Wright, who yielded two earned runs on six hits. Niesel allowed three hits and three earned runs in two-plus innings. Matt Meyer, T.J. Burton and Scott Roehl combined for 32/3 innings of scoreless work from the bullpen.

Craig Stammen picked up the win for Potomac. Former East Carolina standout Greg Bunn notched his second save of the season.