Salem Red Sox avoid sweep, top Lynchburg Hillcats, 5-2

Carlos Asuaje launched a three run home run off Cody Scarpetta in the bottom of the seventh to give the Salem Red Sox a three run lead which they would not relinquish. The Sox entered the seventh inning down 2-1, but struck for four runs to pick up the come from behind 5-2 victory.

Jacob Dahlstrand was once again outstanding, allowing just two unearned runs in seven innings of work, picking up a second straight win. Dahlstrand walked two and struck out four. Cody Scarpetta was saddled with the loss, allowing four hits and four runs in three and a third out of the Lynchburg bullpen.

Lynchburg scored two unearned runs in the first inning. David Nick led off with a single, and was retired at second on a fielder’s choice hit by Eric Garcia. A batter later, Jose Martinez hit a grounder to second that was bobbled by Asuaje, allowing Martinez to reach on the error. Dahlstrand then walked Justin Bloxom to load the bases and Levi Hyams to bring in the opening run. Then Tyler Tewell ground up the first base line, picked up by Dahlstrand, who’s only play was to first to get the out. Martinez scored on the grounder to give the Hillcats a 2-0 lead.

Salem finally got on the board in the fourth. Jantzen Witte tripled off Lynchburg starter Wes Parsons, and scored on an RBI groundout by Matt Gedman to cut the score in half. Parsons was limited to three and two thirds innings, removed after 50 pitches in his first start off the disabled list.

In the seventh, Aneury Tavarez singled with one out and stole second. With two outs, Scarpetta walked Dreily Guerrero. Matty Johnson then singled in Tavarez to tie the game. With runners on second a third, Asuaje homered to deep right to give the Sox a 5-2 edge.

Kyle Kraus held the Hillcats off the board in two innings out of the bullpen for his third save of the season. Salem stands just three games back of a playoff spot as it opens a three game set with the Potomac Nationals tomorrow night. Joe Gunkel is slated to start for the Sox. Hector Silvestre is on the bump for the P-Nats. First pitch is at 7:05.