Dash defeat Hillcats to force rubber game
Published on May 13, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Hill City Howlers News Release
Winston-Salem defeated the Hillcats 4-3 on Wednesday night at Wake Forest Ballpark. The Dash's victory evened the three-game series at one game apiece and set the stage for a rubber game on Thursday morning. First pitch is slated for 11 a.m.
The Dash quickly seized control of the game by striking for two runs in the bottom of the first. Dale Mollenhauer set the tone with a leadoff single off Lynchburg starter Justin Wilson. Mollenhauer advanced to second after Hillcats catcher Kris Watts allowed a passed ball. Greg Paiml ripped an RBI double to drive in Mollenhauer. After Wilson issued a walk to Jim Gallagher, Salvador Sanchez singled to load the bases. Paiml scored on Christian Marrero's RBI groundout and gave Winston-Salem a 2-0 lead.
Winston-Salem added two more runs in the second to double the lead. With Dash catcher Adam Ricks standing at first base and one out, Mollenhauer smacked a two-run home run that sailed over the right-field fence. Mollenhauer's homer put the Dash in front 4-0.
The Hillcats offense came to life in the top of the fifth. Watts drew a one-out walk from Winston-Salem starter Daniel Hudson and advanced to second on Jared Keel's single to left-center field. After Kent Sakamoto reached on a fielder's choice, Ray Chang laced a two-run double to left field that plated Watts and Sakamoto. Chang's timely double cut the deficit in half and made it a 4-2 game.
Lynchburg did not surrender quietly. With two outs in the top of the seventh and Keel standing at third base, Chang came through again with an RBI single to put the Hillcats within a run of Winston-Salem.
Winston-Salem received stellar relief pitching from Wander Perez and Santo Luis, who combined for 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, to preserve the 4-3 victory. Hudson (1-0) gave up 2 earned runs in five innings to earn his first victory. Wilson (2-3) took the loss for Lynchburg, allowing eight hits and four earned runs in five innings of work.
Lynchburg's loss coupled with Potomac's 4-2 win over Salem leaves both teams sitting atop the Carolina League's Northern Division with identical 20-12 records.
The Hillcats and Dash will square off in the rubber game of this three-game series at Wake Forest Ballpark on Thursday morning. The game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. start. Tune in to AM 1000 for all the live action beginning at 10:50 Thursday morning.
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