The rain finally cleared out of Wilmington, Delaware where the Wilmington Blue Rocks were ready to roll against the Carolina Mudcats at Frawley Stadium.

Rocks offense led the charge in the beginning with designated hitter Chase Vallot and second baseman Gabriel Cancel both having two RBIs in the game.  The pitching led by Cristian Castillo shut down the Mudcats offense all game which led to the Rocks 5-1 series opener win.

The Blue Rocks hitters still have not figured out to strike out less which the team had nine in this win against Carolina. Rocks hitters have struck out 112 times in this young season so far.

The game started with Carolina getting on the board first with a double on a fly ball by first baseman Ronnie Gideon that scored designated hitter Keston Hiura that made it 1-0 Mudcats.

This would be the last time the Mudcats would score in the game.

Then we headed to the bottom of the first where the Rocks would take over the lead and game for good.

The first run in the inning for the Blue Rocks came from a walk from first baseman Chris DeVito which scored left fielder Rudy Martin. Wilmington’s designated hitter Vallot wanted to get into walk in a run party too which is what he did.

Vallot’s walk scored second baseman Gabriel Cancel which helped the Blue Rocks take a 2-1 lead heading into the second inning.

Wilmington’s pitcher Cristian Castillo cruised through the top of the second inning without any damage from Mudcats hitters.

The Blue Rocks were ready to do some damage in the bottom of the second where they added two more runs to their lead.

The two runs in the second inning for the Rocks came from a line drive double to center field from Gabriel Cancel which scored right fielder Kort Peterson and Rudy Martin. Rocks now had a 4-1 lead heading into the third inning.

Rocks pitcher Castillo had no problems with the Mudcats hitters as he kept them silent for the next three innings.

The Blue Rocks would add another insurance run for Castillo in the bottom of the fifth inning where Vallot had a  sacrifice fly that scored center fielder Khalil Lee. Rocks would take a commanding 5-1 and held on it to take the first game of the series.

Rocks Castillo had a brilliant pitching performance going 5 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 1 ER, 2 BBs and 5 Ks.

Blue Rocks relief men did well too as  Justin Camp went 2 innings,  1 hit, 1 BB and 2 Ks. Also, Walker Sheller did a great job as he went 2 innings, 1 hit, 2 BBs and 5 Ks.

Wilmington ( 5-6) continues the series at home against the Mudcats at 6:35 pm ET.