Frederick, MD– The Frederick Keys (14-14) defeated the West Virginia Black Bears (20-11) on Thursday night by a final score of 11-8 at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.

The Keys put up five runs in the 1st, the most in a 1st inning by the offense all second-half long.

An RBI fielder’s choice by Jake Plastiak (Kentucky), a wild pitch, a Ben Fitzgerald (UC Irvine) RBI single and a two-run single by Caleb Upshaw (Kansas) gave Frederick an early 5-0 lead.

After the 3rd, Frederick kept a five-run lead with the Keys ahead 7-2.

The Black Bears closed the gap in the 7th with a four-run inning of their own, making the score 7-6 heading into the bottom of the 7th.

However, Frederick answered with a four spot of their own, increasing the lead to 11-6 with RBI by Tyrese Clayborne (Texas Southern), Amir Wright (Ball State) and a two-run triple by Evan Berkey (Evansville) in Berkey’s return to the starting lineup in five days.

Right-hander Jacob Schultz (Louisiana-Lafayette) secured his fifth save of the summer by getting the last four outs of the game.

Starting right-hander Jonathan Pintaro (Shorter University) struck out five in 4.0 innings, receiving a no-decision. Left-hander Matt Voelker (Baylor) earned the win after going 3.0 innings from the 5th-7th.

On offense, Berkey, Wright and Upshaw led the way with two RBI each.

The Keys will hit the road tomorrow, August 26, against the Trenton Thunder for a three-game weekend series. First pitch from Trenton Thunder Ballpark on Friday is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

For more information on the Frederick Keys, please contact Gareth Kwok at gkwok@FrederickKeys.com.