P-Nats' Robles leaves game after being hit by pitch; Mapes and Martinson shine

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

July 19, 2016, 4:48am

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High Single-A Potomac dropped Salem 7-2 on Monday, but the P-Nats lost center fielder Victor Robles just two pitches into the game after he was hit by pitch on his arm. Robles was hit by a fastball from right-hander Michael Kopech.

Robles is hitting .289 through 83 minor league games with 12 doubles, six triples, seven homers and 37 RBIs. His on-base percentage is .390.

In a game last Friday, he was hit by pitch three times, but manager Tripp Keister told me that the opponent wasn't going after Robles. It would seem that Robles is not afraid of getting hit by pitch at any time to get on base.

No update from the team on Robles' status for tonight's game.

Left-hander Matthew Spann tossed six shutout innings to improve to 2-1 in only his third start of the season.

Drew Vettleson and Jake Lowery each had two RBIs.

Right-hander Erick Fedde starts tonight.

* Jason Martinson smacked a triple and a homer and had three RBIs as Triple-A Syracuse defeated Gwinnett 7-4. Right-hander Jaron Long (5-5) notched the win with six innings, scattering eight hits and striking out seven. His ERA is now 3.28.

Right-hander Lucas Giolito starts and makes his Triple-A debut tonight. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.

* Tyler Mapes gave himself the best birthday present, pitching a complete game as Double-A Harrisburg beat Erie 5-1. Mapes allowed four hits and only a solo homer in his third complete game of the season, this time on his 25th birthday. Mapes is 9-6 and his ERA dropped to 3.24.

Neftali Soto had three hits and Isaac Ballou added two base knocks.