Mookie Betts knocked in Stefan Welch with a two-out single in the top of the tenth, propelling Salem to a 5-4, 10-inning victory over Winston on Wednesday night at BB&T Ballpark. The Sox went extras for the second straight night, but unlike Tuesday’s 18-inning extravaganza in Wilmington, Salem broke through early in bonus baseball against Brandon Hardin. Kyle Kraus tossed a 1-2-3 bottom of the tenth to earn the victory in relief for the Red Sox.
After trailing 1-0 early, Salem built a 4-1 lead through the midway point of the game, riding the right arm of Mike Augliera, who dispersed three hits over six and a third solid innings, permitting just one run. Augliera departed with two runners on board in the seventh, but Kraus struck out Mark Haddow and Jeremy Farrell to sustain Salem’s three-run lead.
In the eighth, however, Winston used Chris Curley’s two-run double to inch within one, and two batters later, Courtney Hawkins smoked a two-out, RBI double to tie the game at four. Although Kraus was charged with the blown save, he proceeded to set down seven of the last eight batters he would face toward victory.
Jason Van Skike held the Sox scoreless for four and a third innings in relief of Mike Recchia, but Hardin emerged in the tenth and scuffled with two outs, surrendering four straight two-out singles. Although Salem stranded the bases loaded, the lone tally was enough to help the Sox pick up the series opening win.
Salem finished with 14 hits, including 12 singles, with David Chester leading the way with three hits. Welch, Betts, Carson Blair, and Matty Johnson each added two hits for the Sox, with Blair jacking his third homer of the year, a solo shot in the fourth off Recchia.
Augliera left with a three-run lead, but took a no-decision because of Winston’s eighth-inning rally. Still, Augliera shrunk his ERA to 4.02, allowing just one run over six and a third innings, with four strikeouts and a walk.
The Sox remained a game and a half behind Carolina in the chase for the final playoff spot, as the Mudcats blanked the Pelicans 7-0 in Zebulon.
Salem and Winston reunite on Thursday evening, with Mickey Pena scheduled to throw against Jake Cose. First pitch is scheduled for 7 PM.
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Chris Graham
