Red Sox strike early, knock off Keys, 4-3

The Salem Red Sox scored the first four runs of Tuesday night’s contest and held on to a one-run lead for the final six innings, defeating the Frederick Keys, 4-3, at LewisGale Field.

Salem got things started early thanks to three straight walks in the last of the first from Frederick starter Luis Gonzalez. After a popout, Aneury Tavarez unloaded the bags with a three-run triple to left-center, making it 3-0.

The Sox added to their lead in the third thanks to a throwing error from Gonzalez (1-2). With runners at first and second, Cole Sturgeon broke for third before a pitch was thrown. Gonzalez stepped off and threw wildly to third, allowing Sturgeon to scamper home with the fourth run.

Frederick got back into the game in the fourth against Salem starter Jake Dahlstrand. The Keys loaded the bases with nobody out and got back-to-back RBI fielder’s choices from Anthony Caronia and Gregory Lorenzo to slice the deficit in half at 4-2. Johnny Reuttiger drove in another run with a two-out double, but was thrown out trying to advance to third, ending the inning.

From there on, though, the pitching took control. Jorge Marban relieved Dahlstrand in the fifth and posted three scoreless frames, allowing just three hits while striking out one. Marban (1-1) then gave way to Joe Gunkel in the eighth, who mowed down the Keys in order. In the ninth, however, Caronia led off with a single and moved to third with two down. Adrian Marin drilled the first pitch he saw to center field, but Manuel Margot made a running grab on the warning track to end the game.

Dahlstrand earned his first no-decision of the season, giving up three runs on five hits in four innings. Gonzalez took the loss for Frederick after allowing four runs on six hits in five frames.

The Sox and Keys square off in game two of the series on Wednesday at 11:05 a.m. Trey Ball (1-1, 5.06) goes for Salem opposite Frederick’s Jarrett Miller (0-0, 6.92). It’s Public Safety Day at Salem Memorial Ballpark. Those in attendance will be able to interact with local public safety officials before and during the game. Fans unable to attend can listen to the game on 1240 AM ESPN Roanoke, online at salemsox.com or via the TuneIn Radio app.