Basto Homer Stretches Keys Slide to Three
April 29, 2016 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release
FREDERICK, MD - A Nick Basto home run in the top of the ninth was just enough to give the Winston-Salem Dash a 3-2 win over the Frederick Keys on Friday night at Nymeo Field. It was the Keys third loss in a row, and dropped the team to a season-worst eight games below .500 (7-15). Offensively, the Keys were held to just three hits on the night.
Dash starting pitcher Matt Cooper held the Keys in check for most of the evening. Starting with an RBI force out by Aderlin Rodriguez which scored Josh Hart, the right-hander set down 18 consecutive batters, as the Keys were limited to one hit through six innings.
In the seventh, the orange and black leveled the game at two with one out. After striking out Wynston Sawyer, Cooper elevated an 0-1 offering to Rodriguez who cleared the wall in left. It was Rodriguez's fourth home run of the year, and left Cooper with a no-decision. Pitching a career-high seven innings, the 24-year-old gave up only two hits and struck out five.
Two innings later, Winston-Salem took the edge for good against Luis Gonzalez. Facing Basto to open the inning, the Dominican quickly jumped ahead 0-2, but Basto cranked the southpaw's third offering over the left-center fence. His only blemish of the night, Gonzalez (0-2) took the loss, despite striking out six in three innings.
Colin Kleven entered in the eighth for the Dash and stranded the tying run aboard at third in the ninth. Following a single by Hart, Steve Wilkerson sacrificed his teammate into scoring position, but groundouts by Sawyer and Rodriguez ended the game. Kleven (1-1) allowed one hit and struck out one.
Making his Nymeo Field debut, Lucas Long received a no-decision but did post his first Advanced-A quality start. Over six innings he gave up six hits and two runs. The Minnesota native struck out five and did not walk a batter. Both runs against Long came in the fourth, when Gerson Montilla hit a two-run double which scored Hunter Jones and Toby Thomas.
The Keys and Dash play the middle game of their series on Saturday at Nymeo Field. Left-hander John Means (3-0, 2.70) gets the ball for Frederick, while righty Thad Lowry (0-2, 4.05) gets the ball for the Dash. First pitch is slated for 2:00 p.m and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source and frederickkeys.com. It is Star Wars Day at the ballpark, while the Rebel Legion will be on hand to perform light saber battles between innings. For tickets fans can call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.
Carolina League Stories from April 29, 2016
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- Balaguert's Three Hits Not Enough in Pelicans' 4-3 Loss to Salem - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
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- Basto Homer Stretches Keys Slide to Three - Frederick Keys
- Red Sox Best Pelicans Behind Benintendi's Big Night - Salem Red Sox
- 'Cats Drop Series Opener at Carolina, 4-3 - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Basto Strikes Again in Dash's 3-2 Win at Frederick - Winston-Salem Dash
- INF David Bote Moved to DL - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Winston-Salem Dash Game Notes (April 29 at Frederick) - Winston-Salem Dash
- Potomac Nationals 2016 Game Notes vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks - Potomac Nationals
- April 29 Carolina Mudcats Game Information - Carolina Mudcats
- Leonards promoted to Birmingham - Winston-Salem Dash
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