Through errors and ejections the Frederick Keys held steady to win a long back and forth affair 9-8 in Kinston Wednesday night. The win moved Frederick to 4-1, in first place in the North early on. But that is not what this one will be remembered for. The 3 hour 45 minute ballgame was the longest nine inning game in Keys history, outlasting a 3 hour and 36 minute duel with Winston-Salem July 21, 2001.

Both Keys catcher Matt Wieters and manager Tommy Thompson were tossed arguing a called fair ball down the right field line in the fourth inning. After the ejections, C Mike Pierce would give Frederick a boost with two doubles. Trailing into the sixth inning, Keys 3B Todd Davison tied the game at 5-5 with his third career home run and the Keys would rally for two more runs in the inning. They would not relinquish the lead.

In the seventh inning up 7-5, 2B Miguel Abreu doubled home two runs giving the Keys a needed cushion. Abreu was 3-for-4 with two RBI's in the game.

After Kinston's three run home run from C Brian Juhl made it 9-8, Chad Thall and Jason Burch would provide three innings of scoreless relief to preserve victory. For Burch it was his second save in as many nights and his third save of the year.

The Keys finish their series with Kinston Thursday, April 10th at 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 14th at 7:00 p.m. the Keys return home to face the Salem Avalanche. It is Kids Eat Free Monday at the ballpark. For tickets contact the Keys Box Office at 1-877-8-GO-KEYS or purchase online at frederickkeys.com.