Big Inning Dooms Keys; Drop Doubleheader to Dash
May 10, 2012 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release
FREDERICK, MD - The Keys dropped both ends of their double-header against the Winston-Salem Dash, losing 9-2 and 11-7 in games one and two, respectively, to drop to 10-19 on the year.
The Dash, who came in with the Carolina League's best record and highest scoring offense, used a big inning in each game to put away the Keys. 15 of their 20 runs scored in the doubleheader were scored in just two innings.
A seven-run explosion in the seventh inning of the first game put a close game well out of reach and an eight-run outburst in the fourth inning of game number two gave the Dash a big lead they never surrendered.
Not only did the Dash score 20 combined runs but 12 of their 26 hits went for extra bases including five home runs. Winston-Salem on the day went 11-for-17 with runners in scoring position, leaving only one baserunner stranded in scoring position.
Starters Kyle Simon (0-6, 5.50 ERA) and Justin Moore (0-4, 7.62 ERA) get the loss for the Keys, running their records to a combined 0-10.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Keys held a 4-2 lead entering the fourth inning, but the big inning from the Dash hit the Keys hard as they found themselves instantly trailing 10-4 when the inning was over.
The big eight-run fourth inning got started with a double from Dan Wagner and single from Jake Oester to lead off the inning. A double from Marcus Semien and Carlos Sanchez would bring home two runs, which gave the Dash the lead at 5-4.
Yet the offensive fireworks were just getting started. After a double from Brady Shoemaker gave the Dash another run to go up 6-4, an intentional walk loaded the bases for Michael Earley, who blasted a pitch over the left field wall for a grand slam. With one swing of the bat, the Dash took firm control of the game and led 10-4.
Of their six hits in the monster inning, three were doubles and one went for a grand slam.
Back in the first game, the bats for Winston-Salem took a while to wake up as starting pitcher Kyle Simon kept them at bay for the first four innings, giving up just one hit and no runs.
The Dash, though, would get through against Simon in the fourth, scoring twice to take a 2-1 lead.
Trailing just by one entering the seventh inning, the game was very much in reach for the Keys, but the Dash blew the game open in the seventh frame, scoring seven times to take a 9-1 lead.
That big inning got started against relief pitcher Ryan Berry, who with runners on first and third, gave up an RBI double to Carlos Sanchez which scored a run to make it 3-1 Dash. The next batter, Trayce Thompson, hit a three-run homerun to give his team a 6-1 lead with one swing of the bat.
Three batters later, the Dash would hit another three-run homerun. Immediately following the homerun, Dan Black reached on an infield single and Brady Shoemaker was on after getting hit. That's when Mike Blanke took a pitch out of the ballpark for another three-run homerun - their second such homerun in four batters. That gave the Dash an overwhelming 9-1 advantage.
The Keys will look to right the ship against the Wilmington Blue Rocks, who they host this upcoming weekend. The Keys' last series win came against Wilmington back on April 13-15. Scott Copeland (1-2, 5.10 ERA) takes the mound for the Keys and he'll face the Blue Rocks' Greg Billo (2-3, 5.20 ERA). Tickets are very limited for both Friday and Saturday.
Carolina League Stories from May 10, 2012
- Birds Sweep Doubleheader - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Mudcats Swept Away by Pelicans - Carolina Mudcats
- Offense Finds Consistent Rhythym in Victory - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Sox Fall to Keyes, Err, Nats 5-2 - Salem Red Sox
- Hillcats Streak Snapped in Wilmington Finale - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Keyes, Bullpen Beat Salem 5-2 - Potomac Nationals
- Big Inning Dooms Keys; Drop Doubleheader to Dash - Frederick Keys
- 8-Run 4th Lifts Dash to Double Dip Sweep - Winston-Salem Dash
- Blue Rocks Game Notes - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Dash Rattle Keys in Twin Bill Opener - Winston-Salem Dash
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Lynchburg Hillcats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
