Salem wins playoff opener, 1-0 in 10 innings

The Salem Red Sox found a way to win again! After both starting pitchers had departed following brilliant performances, the Red Sox scored the first run of the series in the bottom of the tenth, using Cody Koback’s infield single and the ensuing throwing error from Drew Robinson to bring home Matty Johnson, giving the Sox an incredible 1-0, 10-inning triumph and igniting a raucous celebration at LewisGale Field. Neither Luis Diaz, who dealt eight scoreless, nor Alec Asher, who tossed seven shutout innings factored in the decision. The Red Sox have now won seven straight games dating back to the regular season, and Salem could wrap up the best-of-three series with a win in Myrtle Beach on Thursday night.

In the final frame, three straight infield singles produced the game’s only tally. It began with Johnson, who smacked a hard chopper up the middle to begin the rally. While Odubel Herrera gloved it down behind second base, Johnson easily had an infield hit. Henry Ramos followed with a soft tapper past the right side of the pitcher’s mound.  Three defenders approached it, leaving first base wide open for Ramos to reach safely, with Johnson scooting to second. Koback then tapped a 1-2 pitch up the third base line, forcing Robinson to attempt a spectacular barehanded pick and throw. The toss sailed high down the right field line, bringing home Johnson from second.

Madison Younginer earned the win, striking out three Pelicans in two innings. But Diaz delivered Salem’s top pitching line, firing an amazing eight scoreless innings with just 90 pitches, 62 strikes. Diaz struck out four and did not walk anybody, and in three Carolina League starts he has now allowed just two earned runs in 21 innings.

Asher was almost as impressive for Myrtle Beach, tossing 101 pitches (67 strikes) in his seven inning outing. Asher extended his scoreless innings streak to 32, dating back to August 4, but failed to receive any run support.

Salem outhit Myrtle Beach 9-6, with Mookie Betts going 2-for-3 with a walk for the Sox. Henry Ramos also added two hits, as all of Salem’s hits were singles. Both teams were hitless with men in scoring position until Koback’s infield tapper became the walk-off knock with the help of Robinson’s throwing error.

With the Sox up 1-0 in the best-of-three series, the action shifts to Myrtle Beach on Thursday night. Brian Johnson will make the start for Salem, while Alex Gonzalez will throw for Myrtle Beach in a battle of first-rounders. First pitch is slated for 7:05 from TicketReturn.Com Field.