The Rockland Boulders defeated the Quebec Capitales by a score of 4-1 behind a pitching gem by ace Richard Salazar (3-0). Salazar gave up just one run in seven innings of work and recorded six strikeouts, with the defense providing three clutch double plays in the process to earn his league leading third win. Quebec’s starter Keugan Yuhl pitched his first game of the season for the Capitales and surrendered three runs in four innings of work to take the loss.

The game started shaky for Salazar as the Capitales started the game off with two singles, but a strikeout followed by a double play quickly erased the runners. Quebec would have two base runners reach again in the second, but Salazar got another double play from his defense to get out of the jam.

Rockland would capitalize on Quebec’s missed opportunities in the bottom of the inning, as Cody Regis, Mike Montville, and Jon Smith would all single to load the bases for newly acquired designated hitter Joe Bennie.  Bennie would then come through with an RBI single to put the Boulders on the board first. Jared McDonald would tack on another run with a sac fly to give the Boulders a 2-0 lead.

The score would remain the same until the bottom of the fourth when Montville, Smith, and McDonald would all single again, giving the Boulders a 3-1 lead, and giving McDonald his second RBI of the afternoon.  Quebec would finally get on the board in the top of the fifth, after an RBI single by shortstop Yordan Manduley.

The Boulders would score again in the sixth to build a 4-1 lead via a solo home run by Cody Regis, his second in as many nights and his third of the season. The score would hold up the rest of the game as closer Mayckol Guaipe came in to record his fourth save of the season, which ties the league lead.

Today’s victory gave Rockland the series win over Quebec and improved their record to 9-2 on the season, good for first place in the Can-Am. Next up for the Boulders will be a Memorial Day double header tomorrow against the Ottawa Champions at home. First pitch for the first game will be at 1 p.m. with the second contest beginning shortly after.