Salem Red Sox lose pitchers’ duel

Early in Saturday night’s fast-moving affair, it appeared the Salem Red Sox were primed to take their second straight victory. But things changed quickly, as the Frederick Keys downed the Sox 3-2 at Harry Grove Stadium. Salem is now 9-9 in games this season decided by one run.

With starter Mike Augliera cruising and Salem in control 1-0 on a solo home run by Brandon Jacobs, the Sox looked sharp through the first four and a half frames. But then Travis Adair hit a solo homer for Frederick in the bottom of the fifth, and it went downhill from there for Salem. The Keys got to Augliera again in the seventh, with Brenden Webb crushing a two-run bomb to right. Augliera entered tonight’s game with only one long ball allowed on the year.

The 22-year-old right-hander took the loss after tossing seven innings, and permitting three runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out two. Kyle Davies was strong all night for Frederick minus the Jacobs dinger. He threw seven innings of five-hit ball, giving up one run and getting the win.

Salem rallied in the ninth to put the tying run in scoring position. Garin Cecchini and Keury De La Cruz led off the final inning with a single and double respectively. Cecchini scored on an RBI groundout by Jacobs, but the Sox could not plate De La Cruz to tie the score.

Sunday night’s rubber matchup will now decide who wins the series. It features two highly-rated prospects on the mound in Henry Owens for the Red Sox, and Eduardo Rodriguez for the Keys. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m.