For the second straight day, Salem Red Sox hitters had complete ownership of Winston-Salem Dash pitching. The Sox sent 15 men to the plate in the top of the fifth, scoring nine times in the frame. Salem ultimately doomed the Dash by a score of 12-3.
Salem began the fifth with seven straight batters reaching base. It marked the second straight game in which the Sox had a streak of at least five players reaching base in a row. After the first six batters of the inning all reached via single or walk, Salem went on to add two doubles, and a two-RBI triple by Keury De La Cruz. Stefan Welch, Tim Roberson, Matt Gedman, Cody Koback, Bryan Johns, and Deven Marrero also drove runners home in the fifth. All told, 12 batters reached base in the inning, on eight hits, three walks, and one error.The 12 runs in the game and nine in the fifth are both season highs for Salem.
Also for the second game in row, the Red Sox battled early to burden the starter by increasing his pitch count. After having to labor early, Jake Cose ultimately caved in the fifth. He finished with a line of seven runs (all earned) on five hits and six walks in four-plus innings, taking the loss. Jeremy Erben then entered the game, but could only get one out while allowing three inherited runners to score, and five more of his own. A third pitcher, Jarrett Casey had to enter before the inning finally finished.
Mickey Pena pitched well for his second straight start, earning the win and improving to 3-2. He allowed just one run in five and two thirds innings, giving up four hits, three walks, and striking out three. Courtney Hawkins supplied the lone run of the day against Pena, homering in the fourth. The Red Sox only outhit the Dash ten to nine, but Dash pitching allowed eight walks to the Red Sox’ three.
Before the fifth even began, Salem jumped ahead 3-0 on an RBI sac fly by Welch in the first inning, and a two-run double by Nick Natoli in the second. Natoli also impressed in the field, finishing the day with eight assists, including several on the difficult side.
Eight of the nine hitters in the Red Sox order reached base. The Red Sox have now outscored the Dash 19-3 over the last two games. With their series win in Wilmington, and victories in two of the first three games against Winston-Salem, the Sox will finish the seven-game road trip with a winning record, even in they fall tomorrow in the final game of the series against the Dash.
That contest will get started at 7:00 pm, with Kyle Stroup on the hill for Salem against Brian Blough.
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Chris Graham
