Potomac Nationals Win Mills Cup

The Potomac Nationals won their second Mills Cup Championship in three years Friday night, defeating the Winston-Salem Dash 2-1 and three games to one to take the series. This is the second win for the P-Nats and fourth overall for the Potomac/Prince William/Alexandria franchise.

Bill Rhinehart was named the playoff MVP after leading the team with 12 RBIs over the course of the playoffs, including the game winning run Thursday. Tyler Moore had the other RBI in the game to bring his playoff total to five, a little low for him after driving in 111 in 129 games during the regular season.

Francisco Soriano scored both runs for the Nationals. In the bottom of the first he was walked and eventually scored from third when Moore singled to left. He tripled in the third inning and later scored when Rhinehart grounded into a fielder's choice at second.

Marcos Frias earned the win for the Nationals, his second of the post-season. His previous win was the deciding game in the previous series against the Frederick Keys. Tonight he pitched six innings, giving up one unearned run and four hits while striking out four.

The franchise remains perfect in the championship series, winning for the fourth time in as many appearances. They previously won in 1982 as the Alexandria Dukes, 1989 as the Prince William Cannons, and 2008 as the Nationals.

Unfortunately for Potomac Nationals fans, winning the Carolina League championship may result in promotions for some of their favorite players to Class AA Harrisburg or higher. Tyler Moore, among others, will surely be looked at in this organization for a possible spot in a higher league after his impressive season. Fans will have to wait until next season to see who returns or if they will get to see some exciting new talent, such as the number one overall pick from this year's draft: Bryce Harper.

Editor's Note: View video of the crowd's reaction here.