Myrtle Beach 11, Winston-Salem 4
W: Oscar De La Cruz (4-2)
L: Luis Martinez (0-1)
S: Michael Rucker (1)
Full box score attached.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (May 25, 2017) – An 11-run first inning for Myrtle Beach proved to be too much to overcome for Winston-Salem on Thursday evening, as the Pelicans cruised to an 11-4, series-sweeping victory against the Dash at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.
For the third consecutive contest, Winston-Salem (14-34) pushed a run across in the opening frame. Zack Collins smashed a 3-1 pitch to the base of the right field wall for a one-out double, and quickly came around to score on a bloop single to left by Luis Basabe to make it 1-0 Dash.
Myrtle Beach (26-22) stormed right back in the home half of the first, racking up five runs and chasing Winston-Salem starter Luis Martinez (0-1) from the game before he could record an out. Eloy Jimenez provided the big blast, launching a grand slam into the left field bleachers to give the Pelicans a 4-1 lead. Jesse Hodges added an RBI single to left before Martinez exited.
The Birds continued to add to their tally against Dash reliever Kelvis Valerio. Robert Garcia, P.J. Higgins, Jimenez and Eddy Martinez notched run-scoring singles, while an errant throw by Trey Michalczewski and a groundout from Daniel Spingola plated two more Myrtle Beach runs to raise the score to 11-1.
Following the Pelicans offensive barrage in the first, Winston-Salem held Myrtle Beach scoreless for the remainder of the contest. Valerio, Yelmison Peralta and Ryan Riga combined to shutout the Pelicans over the next seven frames, surrendering just one hit and fanning seven batters in the process.
In the third, Johan Cruz stroked a two-run shot to deep left field against Myrtle Beach starter Oscar De La Cruz (4-2) to tighten the deficit to 11-3. The Dash’s lone additional run came in the eighth when Basabe scampered home on a passed ball after reaching on a hard-nosed single. The 20-year-old went 6-for-12 in the three-game set against the Pelicans.
De La Cruz spun 5.2 innings on the hill to pick up the victory, allowing three runs while striking out a season-high 10 batters. Michael Rucker hurled the final 3.1 frames, giving up one run on three hits while fanning five to snag his first save of the season.
The Dash now head back to BB&T Ballpark for an eight-game, nine-day homestand, starting with a four-game series against the Down East Wood Ducks on Friday at 7 p.m. Winston-Salem right-hander Aron McRee (1-5, 4.14 ERA) toes the slab in the series opener against Wood Ducks righty Richelson Pena (2-2, 4.54 ERA). Play-by-play coverage is available on wsdash.com/broadcast, MiLB.tv and the TuneIn Radio app.
The promotions during this eight-game stretch include two Fireworks Fridays, a Lowes Foods Thirsty Thursday, a Dillon Brothers Appearance/Bobblehead Giveaway and much more. Also, the Dash are hosting the return of “Energize the Ballpark,” presented by Eanes Heating and Air, on Saturday, June 3. Sidewalks Prophets will perform a concert for all fans on hand. For tickets and more information, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
