Salem Red Sox outslug Lynchburg Hillcats, 13-6

The Salem Red Sox pounded out 19 hits against Lynchburg Hillcats pitching in a 13-6 slugfest win Friday night at LewisGale Field. The wacky game featured an appearance from former Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer, to promote his Herma’s Readers charity.

The Hillcats (71-41, 26-16) jumped out to an early lead against Salem starter Anyelo Leclerc, utilizing three doubles to take a 3-0 lead in the first. The Red Sox (65-45, 22-19) got a tally back against Brock Hartson of Lynchburg in the bottom of the first, when Joseph Monge doubled and scored on a Nick Longhi single.

Both Leclerc and Hartson (0-1) settled down until the fourth, when Lynchburg scored a run on a Connor Marabell double to extend a 4-1 advantage. In the bottom of the frame, Jordan Procyshen clobbered a solo home run to right-center, and Bryan Hudson chased Deiner Lopez home with a single to cut the lead to 4-3.

In the bottom of the fifth, Procyshen doubled to score Jayce Ray, and then scored on a Lopez single. Jose Sermo scored on a Monge single to hand Salem a 6-4 lead. The Red Sox scored three more runs in the sixth inning against reliever Jordan Milbrath, including two on a Mike Meyers single to take a 9-4 lead.

Yankory Pimentel (8-5) allowed two runs in the top of the seventh inning as Lynchburg cut the Red Sox advantage to 9-6. Salem came back with a run on a Longhi sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh.

The Red Sox scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth against position player Paul Hendrix on a double by Hudson, which plated Lopez and Monge. Hudson scored on a throwing error by catcher Francisco Mejia to give Salem a 13-6 lead.

Bobby Poyner and Simon Mercedes combined for 2.1 innings of relief to seal the victory for the Salem.

Two Salem players – Procyshen and Lopez – had three-hit games, while two more batters – Monge and Hudson – had four hits each. Eight different players scored a run, while seven of the nine players collected an RBI.

Procyshen finished a triple shy of the cycle, while Hudson also drew a walk to reach base safely five times – a new season-high.

The Red Sox continue the series with the Hillcats Saturday night at LewisGale Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm. Salem will send Daniel McGrath (5-5, 3.98) to the mound, while Lynchburg counters with Sean Brady (11-4, 4.00). For tickets and more information, call (540) 389-3333 or slide to www.salemsox.com/tickets.