DASH FALL 4-3 IN RUBBER MATCH AT MYRTLE BEACH
Myrtle Beach 4, Winston-Salem 3
W: Erick Leal (5-2)
L: Jordan Stephens (0-5)
S: James Farris (7)
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (May 19, 2016) – In the rubber match of a three-game set against the Pelicans, the Dash fell 4-3 on Thursday night at TicketReturn.Com Field to drop just their second road series all season.
The Dash (15-26) manufactured the game’s first run in the second inning. Mason Robbins led off the frame with a double and moved to third on a Toby Thomas’ sacrifice bunt. Brett Austin followed with a sacrifice fly to left, giving Winston-Salem a 1-0 edge.
Unfortunately, the Pelicans (22-17) took the lead for good in the bottom of the inning against Dash starter Jordan Stephens (0-5). With the bases loaded and one out, Charcer Burks tied the game at one with an RBI single to left field. Rashad Crawford followed with an infield RBI single to put Myrtle Beach up 2-1.
Stephens worked out of the inning with no further damage, but the Pelicans would strike again off the Dash right-hander in the fifth. With a runner on first and one out, Yasiel Balaguert made it 4-1 on a two-run shot to left-center, his second homer in as many days. Stephens finished the contest tossing five frames, allowing nine hits and four earned runs.
With the exception of the Dash’s second-inning run, Myrtle Beach starter Erick Leal (5-2) cruised into the seventh before running into trouble. After Robbins started the frame with a single, Thomas roped an RBI triple to center to cut the lead to two. Austin capped the scoring with an RBI groundout to make it 4-3. Leal would finish the contest throwing seven innings, allowing seven hits and three earned runs.
Pelicans righty Ryan McNeil threw a scoreless eighth, and James Farris converted his seventh save in seven tries with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
Reliever Kelvis Valerio shined for Winston-Salem, throwing three shutout frames out of the bullpen. Keon Barnum extended his hitting streak to seven games with a 2-for-4 performance.
Winston-Salem now falls to 5-10 against Myrtle Beach and 1-4 in overall series against the Pelicans this season. The last 24 contests between these two squads have been decided by four runs or less.
The Dash travel to Virginia for a four-game set against the Salem Red Sox at LewisGale Field. In Friday’s series opener, the Dash send Spencer Adams (4-2, 4.00 ERA) to the bump against Red Sox lefty Jalen Beeks (4-1, 2.57). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m., and the Pregame Dash begins at 6:50 p.m. on wsdash.com/broadcast and the TuneIn Radio App.
#YourHomeTeam returns to BB&T Ballpark on Tuesday, May 24, for the first of three against the Frederick Keys. This game also happens to be the Dash’s next All-You-Can-Eat for Free Night. Fans in attendance will enjoy all the hot dogs and burgers they can handle through the seventh inning, and normal ticket prices apply! For your seats, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
