Pelicans Score Final Five Runs in Narrow Win

Winston-Salem (20-16, 64-41-1) could not extend its winning streak beyond five games, but the Dash are still tied with the Lynchburg Hillcats for the league lead with three runs of five or more victories in a row. Winston also missed out on a chance to earn a share of first place for the first time in the second half.

The Dash jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. After the first three men reached, Dan Black put the Dash on the board with a sacrifice fly. Cyle Hankerd followed with a run-producing double down the right field line. To cap the inning, Kevan Smith chased home Winston's third run with a groundout. Smith has driven in eight runs in his first three High-A contests.

However, Myrtle Beach (22-14, 58-48) did not allow another run. Roman Mendez replaced starter Ben Henry in the second after Henry left with an injury. A member of the Rangers' 40-man roster, Mendez dealt for six innings and whiffed nine batters. Francisco Mendoza and Ben Rowan blanked the Dash over the final two innings to finish off the victory.

The Pelicans plated two runs, one of which was unearned, in the second before Christian Villanueva went to work. The slugger doubled home the tying tally in the sixth before knocking in a pair with a two-out single in the seventh to push the Pelicans on top for the first time.

Winston starter Steve McCray (5-3) worked into the seventh inning and allowed five runs, four of which were earned. Matt Wickswat held the Pelicans off the scoreboard over two innings out of the bullpen.

In the losing effort, Trayce Thompson reached twice but could not extend his hitting streak beyond 10 games, which matches a career high. Thompson, who had five homers and 13 RBI during the run, helped the Dash reach 10 double-digit hit streaks, a total that leads the circuit.

Winston-Salem strives for the series victory over Myrtle Beach Sunday night at 6:05. Southpaw Scott Snodgress (1-0, 1.50 ERA), who struck out a career-high 10 batters in his High-A debut Tuesday, will start for the Dash against right-hander Kyle DeVore (1-1, 4.67 ERA). Pre-game coverage begins at 5:50 online at wsdash.com.

The Dash return home for a six-game homestand that starts Tuesday night at 7:00 against the Wilmington Blue Rocks. To secure your seats, call the Dash office at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

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Carolina League Stories from July 28, 2012

• Villanueva Stays Hot, Birds Win 5-3 - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Pelicans Score Final Five Runs in Narrow Win - Winston-Salem Dash
• Big Sixth Inning and Rain Propels Mudcats - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Gallas Rains on Blue Rocks, Snaps Skid at Six - Carolina Mudcats
• Souza Jr.'s Last Blast Leads Potomac to Victory - Potomac Nationals
• Souza Jr. Downs Keys in Ninth - Frederick Keys
• Hillcats Take 3-1 Pitchers' Duel from Sox - Salem Red Sox
• Scoreless Schlosser Leads Way to 3-1 Hillcats Win - Lynchburg Hillcats
• Blue Rocks Game Notes - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Two to IR, Pair Join Dash - Winston-Salem Dash
• Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Lynchburg Hillcats

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