The Lynchburg Hillcats this week became yet another area team to volunteer their help in the wake of Sunday’s tornado.
On Monday, the organization announced it will welcome all first responders and volunteers who were called to action following the storm to the Thursday, April 26, game free of charge. The Hillcats have partnered with MedExpress Urgent Care for the event as a way of thanking the first responders, according to a news release.
“There were countless first responders and volunteers who were brave, selfless and showed tremendous courage by helping people to safety during the tornado,” Hillcats President Chris Jones said via the release. “We would like to say thank you to all who risked their lives and treat them to a game at City Stadium.”
MedExpress also will provide a free hot dog to each volunteer or first responder as he or she enters the stadium, in gratitude for the help it received after its Timberlake Road location sustained significant structural damage.
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“When MedExpress ... was [hit], Lynchburg first responders were on the scene within minutes to care for our patients and our staff,” said Dan Neely, MedExpress regional vice president, in the release. “As healthcare providers, we are used to caring for others, but yesterday, we were the ones who needed care. It’s our greatest privilege to have an opportunity to thank first responders in this small way.”
First responders and volunteers can pick up their free ticket at the City Stadium box office.
A 50/50 raffle also will take place during the game to raise money for those affected by the story.
Garza named Carolina League Pitcher of the Week
Thanks to two shutout, five-inning starts between April 5 and April 15, Justin Garza became the Hillcats’ first Carolina League Pitcher of the Week honoree this season.
Garza picked up a win in his April 8 debut against Down East with the Hillcats, which also marked his Single A-Advanced premiere, allowing just two hits. Garza also gave up just two hits in Saturday’s contest at Wilmington.
He’s walked two and struck out five in the two contests, and Carolina League opponents are hitting just .125 against him.
Entering Tuesday night’s slate of games, Garza was one of five starting pitchers in the league who has yet to give up an earned run.
Where the ’Cats stand
About a week and a half into the 2018 campaign, the Hillcats so far haven’t put together many consistent performances offensively and sit in the middle of the league when it comes to pitching.
Ahead of Tuesday’s games, Lynchburg was at the bottom of the league in most batting categories, including batting average, total hits and runs.
The Hillcats are hitting just .198 as a team and are the only ones failing to record at least a .200 average.
They’ve tallied 65 hits, nine fewer than Salem’s 74, and until Monday hadn’t put together a consistent hitting game. On Monday against Frederick, the Hillcats tallied a season-high 10 hits in a 5-0 win.
And Lynchburg also has scored just 29 runs, a whopping 42 runs behind league-leading Potomac.
The Hillcats have gotten several good performances out of their pitching staff, though. In addition to Garza, Sam Hentges and Tanner Tully each had ERAs of 1.50 or below ahead of Tuesday’s games. Hentges the 6-foot-6 lefty, got the start Tuesday.
As a team, Lynchburg’s ERA is 3.48, good for sixth among 10 teams in the league. Hillcats pitchers have combined to give up 73 hits, with only Buies Creek giving up fewer (57).
Emily Brown covers the Hillcats, ODAC and high school sports for The News & Advance. Reach her at (434) 385-5529.