CarL1 Winston-Salem Dash

Black, McCray Lead Dash to 80th Win in 2012

Published on August 20, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release


LYNCHBURG, VA (AUGUST 20, 2012) - Winston-Salem became the first team in the big leagues or the minor leagues to reach 80 victories in its 7-2 win over the Lynchburg Hillcats in the first of four Monday night at Calvin Falwell Field.

The Dash (36-20, 80-45-1) have won 21 of their last 26 games dating back to July 23, and the club improved to 8-1 in series openers since this run began. Winston also moved to 7-6 against Lynchburg (27-30, 66-61), which means the Dash have the edge in the season series against every Carolina League opponent.

After five scoreless innings to begin the game, Winston-Salem jumped all over Lynchburg starter Ryan Weber (2-3) in the sixth. After Keenyn Walker singled and Marcus Semien doubled to kick off the frame, Brandon Short tied the contest with a sacrifice fly.

Winston-Salem claimed its first advantage when Dan Black immediately followed Short with an RBI double down the right-field line, and he scored on Michael Earley's triple to right-center. Kevan Smith capped the four-run inning with a sacrifice fly.

The Dash struck again in the top of the seventh with the bases loaded and two down. Black sizzled a two-run single to right to post his eighth game of three or more RBI.

Black finished off Winston's scoring in the top of the ninth with a two-out, run-producing single. The Carmel, Ind., native leads all active Carolina League hitters and is second to former teammate Trayce Thompson with 81 RBI thus far this season.

Dash starter Steve McCray (7-3) retired the first 11 Hillcats he faced and held Lynchburg off the scoreboard until the fifth inning when David Rohm came up with a two-out single. This run proved to be the only one McCray surrendered in six innings. McCray scattered five hits en route to his sixth quality start, which is one shy from the team lead.

Out of the bullpen, Steven Upchurch dealt a pair of scoreless frames and struck out a pair in the process. Ryan Buch surrendered a run for the first time in five outings, but he finished off the Hillcats in the ninth inning.

Winston-Salem and Lynchburg continue their four-game series Tuesday night at 7:05. Southpaw Scott Snodgress (4-0, 2.12 ERA) toes the rubber for the Dash against right-hander Michael Lee (2-2, 4.42 ERA). Pre-game coverage begins at 6:50 on wsdash.com.

The Dash return to BB&T Ballpark for their final homestand Friday at 7:00 p.m. against Myrtle Beach. For tickets to this homestand or the Carolina League playoffs, which begin in early September, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

Check out the Winston-Salem Dash Statistics

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Carolina League Stories from August 20, 2012


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