Hillcats hang on for 7-6 victory in weather-shortened game

Lynchburg opened a 7-0 lead with three runs in the second and four more in the third Wednesday night against the host Frederick Keys, who rallied for six runs in the third before the Hillcats held on for a rain-shortened 7-6 Carolina League victory.

After Miles Durham opened the second with his fourth triple of the season, Ray Chang delivered a two-run double in the third before Kent Sakamoto hit his fifth home run and second in two nights — a two-run shot in the fourth — to spark the Hillcats’ bats.

Frederick starter Nathan Nery was ejected by the home plate umpire after pitching the second inning.

Caleb Joseph’s three-run homer off Lynchburg starter Justin Wilson capped the six-run third and prompted Hillcats manager P.J. Forbes to call on his bullpen. Michael Colla (4-0) pitched the last two and two-thirds innings to earn the win in relief, lowering his ERA to 1.21.

The game was suspended after Lynchburg batted in the top of the sixth and was called after a 59-minute rain delay.

Lynchburg travels to Wilmington (Del.) tonight for the opener of its four-game series against the Blue Rocks, starting at 7:05.