Home runs ruled the night as the Salem Red Sox defeated the Potomac Nationals 4-3. For the Sox, Matt Gedman launched a three-run shot in the second inning, and Stefan Welch belted a solo homer in the third.
Michael Taylor, the third batter of the game, launched a three-run home run off Red Sox starter Kyle Kraus. But from that point on, Kraus and Salem had the Nationals’ way. After giving up four hits and three runs in the first, Kraus would not surrender another run, and only allowed two additional hits. He earned the victory to improve to 2-2.
Nats starter Brian Rauh took the loss to fall to 1-1, allowing four runs in five innings.
Both bullpens dominated, pitching a combined seven scoreless innings, and neither club scored after the third inning. Robby Scott tossed two scoreless frames for the Red Sox, and Matt Price pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his fifth save.
Also notable, the fantastic defensive performance turned in by the Sox. Welch made two superb diving stops at third base, right fielder Matty Johnson cut down a runner trying tag up and advance to third, Gedman made an excellent pick at first base, and made a running catch before rolling onto the tarp and into the netting. Middle infielders Deven Marrero and Mookie Betts turned in spectacular plays of their own.
Salem and Potomac meet again tomorrow night at 6:05, with Williams Cuevas on the hill for Salem opposing Matt Purke.
Share
Chris Graham
