Lynchburg 4, Winston-Salem 3
W: Randy Valladares (1-0)
L: Jorgan Cavanerio (7-1)
S: Yapson Gomez (7)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (July 31, 2019) – In his first game at the High-A level, White Sox 2019 first-round pick Andrew Vaughn launched a three-run homer, but the Dash ultimately fell 4-3 to the Lynchburg Hillcats on Wednesday at BB&T Ballpark.
With the Dash (18-21, 56-47) trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Vaughn stepped to the plate against Hillcats (17-21, 49-56) reliever Jonathan Teaney with runners at first and second. The former Golden Spikes Award winner then blasted the 0-1 pitch over the knoll in left field for a three-run homer.
But, Teaney recovered to toss a scoreless eighth and Yapson Gomez earned the save by pitching a scoreless ninth to propel Lynchburg to the win.
The Hillcats jumped out to an early lead against Dash starter Jorgan Cavanerio (7-1) in the top of the third. With one out, Luke Wakamatsu doubled into right field. The next batter, Steven Kwan, crushed a two-run homer into the right field seats to make it 2-0.
Lynchburg added to its lead in the top of the fourth. Following an Oscar Gonzalez groundout, Will Benson, Jonathan Laureano and Jodd Carter hit three straight singles to load the bases. Wakamatsu then grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Benson and push the lead to three runs.
In the top of the sixth, the Hillcats plated another run. Benson led off the frame with a double into deep center field. Following an unsuccessful sacrifice bunt attempt by Jonathan Laureano, Benson stole third and came in to score on an errant throw by catcher Carlos Perez to make it 4-0.
Prior to Vaughn’s home run, Randy Valladares (1-0) earned the win by allowing two runs across 2.1 innings.
The Dash conclude their three-game set with the Hillcats on Thursday night. Right-hander Jake Elliott (4-2, 3.99 ERA) will take the hill for Winston-Salem against left-hander Kirk McCarty (2-3, 3.64 ERA). First pitch is set for 7 p.m., and fans can catch all of the action on The Sports Hub (101.5 FM & 600 AM), MiLB.tv and the TuneIn Radio App.
Thursday’s series finale will be a Lowes Foods Thirsty Thursday as well a Pups in the Park Night presented by Handy and Handy Orthodontics.
Following the three-game set with Lynchburg, the Dash host the Carolina Mudcats for three games to round out the homestand. Friday’s series opener will be a Fireworks Friday. Saturday’s contest will be the annual Energize the Ballpark Night, with a live concert following the game featuring Two-time Grammy-Award winning Gospel artist Jason Crabb.
The homestand finale on Sunday will be a Lowes Foods Family Sunday. Kids Run the Bases presented by New Balance Winston-Salem will follow each of the weekend’s games. For tickets and more information, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
