Ball dominates as Salem Red Sox win, 6-1

The Salem Red Sox took advantage of four Frederick Keys errors and utilized a strong start from Trey Ball to take the rubber game of their series 6-1 Sunday afternoon at LewisGale Field.

Pitching dominated the day early as Franderlin Romero of the Keys (37-36, 1-2) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. His defense failed him as Wendell Rijo reached on an error to lead off the frame, and then on a hit-and-run with Mike Meyers, another Keys error allowed Rijo to score the game’s first run. The next batter, Nick Longhi singled to break up the no-no and chase Romero from the contest.

Reliever Ryan Meisinger entered and allowed an inherited run to score on a Jose Sermo sacrifice fly, then after another Frederick error and a walk loaded the bases, Bryan Hudson walked to bring home a third tally. Joseph Monge cleared the bases with an opposite field double to hand the Red Sox (45-27, 2-1) a 6-0 lead on just two hits.

Romero (4-1) went 5-plus innings, and allowed three runs, all unearned, on just one hit, walking four and striking out five Salem batters.

Ball (5-3) allowed a pair of hits in the third inning, but was phenomenal for Salem. He went 7.0 shutout innings, striking out six and walking just two. He faced two over the minimum in his seven innings thanks to a double play and a runner thrown out on the bases.

The start was the southpaw’s sixth quality start of the season, and marked the third time that he finished seven frames, including his last two outings. Over his last three starts, Ball has allowed two earned runs in 19.1 innings for a 0.93 ERA.

Jamie Callahan relieved Ball in the eighth, and allowed an RBI double to D.J. Stewart in the ninth, but sealed the 6-1 win while striking out five.

Frederick pitchers issued nine walks in the skirmish, the second-most walks drawn in a game by Salem. Four of the bases on balls were earned by Hudson, an individual season-high for a Red Sox batter.

The Salem Red Sox are back in action Monday night, beginning a new series with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm. The Red Sox will send Matt Kent (6-3, 3.07) to the mound, while the Pelicans counter with Trevor Clifton (4-3, 2.12). For tickets and more information, call (540) 389-3333 or slide to www.salemsox.com/tickets.