Howlers Shutout Nationals for First Home Win

Hill City Howlers defeat Fredericksburg Nationals 5-0 behind strong pitching performance.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:50am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp geometric shapes in navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-perspective scene.The Howlers' first home win of the season showcases the team's potential, with a dominant pitching performance and timely hitting leading to a shutout victory over a division rival.Lynchburg Today

The Hill City Howlers picked up their first home win of the season, defeating the Fredericksburg Nationals 5-0 on Wednesday evening. The Howlers' pitching staff combined for a shutout, with starter Nelson Keljo, reliever Miguel Flores, and closer Angel Perez all turning in strong outings. The Howlers offense broke through in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring four runs to take control of the game.

Why it matters

This win is an important milestone for the Howlers, who were seeking their first home victory of the year. The shutout performance by the pitching staff and timely hitting from the offense showcases the team's potential and ability to compete in the Carolina League.

The details

Nelson Keljo made his debut for the Howlers, going four innings with six strikeouts. Miguel Flores followed with five strikeouts over four innings, allowing just one hit. Angel Perez closed out the game with two strikeouts in the ninth. The Howlers' offense came alive in the seventh inning, with Tyler Howard driving in a run on an RBI single. Yerlin Luis then doubled home Howard and Robert Arias, and Yaikel Mijares capped the inning with a double to deep center, putting the Howlers up 4-0. Howard added an insurance run in the eighth with a sacrifice fly.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Nelson Keljo

The starting pitcher for the Hill City Howlers, making his debut and going four innings with six strikeouts.

Miguel Flores

The relief pitcher for the Hill City Howlers, pitching four innings with five strikeouts and allowing just one hit.

Angel Perez

The closer for the Hill City Howlers, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts.

Tyler Howard

The Howlers' hitter who drove in a run with an RBI single in the seventh inning and added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

Yerlin Luis

The Howlers' hitter who doubled home two runs in the seventh inning to extend the team's lead.

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What they’re saying

“This was a great team effort, and I'm proud of how our pitchers and hitters stepped up tonight.”

— Tyler Howard, Howlers Player

What’s next

The Howlers will look to build on this momentum as they continue their homestand, facing the Nationals again on Thursday and Friday.

The takeaway

The Howlers' first home win of the season showcases the team's potential, with strong pitching and timely hitting leading to a dominant victory over a division rival. This performance could be a turning point for the Howlers as they look to climb the standings in the Carolina League.