Lynchburg Deals Dash Tough 13-Inning Loss
Published on August 29, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
WINSTON-SALEM, NC (AUGUST 29, 2012) - Despite five RBI from Dash catcher Mike Blanke, the Lynchburg Hillcats outlasted Winston-Salem 8-5 in 13 innings in front of 4,591 fans Wednesday night at BB&T Ballpark.
Winston-Salem (39-25, 83-50-1) trailed by two runs entering the bottom of the eighth, but the Dash led off with a walk and a single. Two batters later, Blanke clubbed a three-run blast to left to give Winston its only lead of the evening. Blanke also came up with an RBI single in the fourth and a run-producing groundout two innings later to set a career high in RBI.
However, Lynchburg (32-33, 71-64) immediately tied the game in the top of the ninth thanks to a leadoff homer by Adam Milligan. As a result, the Dash and Hillcats were ticketed for their sixth extra-inning contest of the campaign, with Lynchburg now owning a 4-2 edge in such affairs.
The Hillcats had a chance in the top of the 10th, but defensive replacement Michael Earley gunned out Chad Comer at the plate following a Tommy La Stella single to right field.
Winston's best scoring opportunity in extra innings came in the 11th. David Herbek kicked off the frame with a double. Following a sacrifice bunt, Lynchburg elected to intentionally walk consecutive batters to load the bases with one away. However, Kyle Shelton, who extended his 2012 Dash hit streak to eight games, and Dan Black, who finished with a pair of hits, could not bring home the game-winning run.
Lynchburg finally prevailed with three runs in the 13th. La Stella was ruled safe on a close play at third for a triple, and he scored on Edward Salcedo's go-ahead double. Mycal Jones followed with a two-run single to give the Hillcats some insurance.
Despite the loss, Winston's magic number fell to just two games with five remaining in the second-half Southern Division race. Myrtle Beach dropped its second-straight game at Wilmington Wednesday night. Also, the Dash lost their third consecutive game at BB&T Ballpark for the first time since July 3-5 of 2011, a span of 95 games between such home skids.
Winston-Salem and Lynchburg continue their four-game series Thursday night at 7:00 from BB&T Ballpark. Erik Johnson toes the rubber for the Dash against fellow right-hander Gus Schlosser (13-6, 3.28 ERA). Pre-game coverage on wsdash.com begins at 6:45.
For tickets to "Fan Appreciation Week," which runs through Friday night's regular-season home finale, or the Carolina League playoffs, which begin in early September, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
Carolina League Stories from August 29, 2012
- Lynchburg Deals Dash Tough 13-Inning Loss - Winston-Salem Dash
- La Stella Allows Five Hits in 13-Inning Hillcat Win - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Hedman's Blast Wins It: Salem Prevails 8-6 in 10 - Salem Red Sox
- Keys Fall to Brink of Elimination - Frederick Keys
- Pelicans Can't Comeback Late in Pitcher's Duel - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Wild Seventh Spirits Rocks to Triumph - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Hankins' Big Hits Topple P-Nats - Carolina Mudcats
- Potomac Drops Critical Game to Carolina 6-2 - Potomac Nationals
- Braves Announce Three Current and Three Former Hillcats to the AZL - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Anthony Rendon and Jason Martinson to Arizona Fall League - Potomac Nationals
- Merrifield Wins Minker Award - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Carl & Calixte to Play in Arizona Fall League - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Blue Rocks Game Notes - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Dash Help Local Challenger Team Make Trip to Williamsport - Winston-Salem Dash
- Seven Mudcats to Play in Prestigious Arizona Fall League - Carolina Mudcats
- Pelicans First Team in MiLB to Offer Paperless Ticketing - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Courtney Hawkins Joins Dash - Winston-Salem Dash
- Early Pelican Power Not Enough as Rocks Comeback - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Wilmington Rocks Pelicans in McElwee's Debut - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Pelicans Put Playoff Tickets on Sale - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
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.
