Persichina's Blast Powers Dash Past Red Sox in Series Finale
August 27, 2009 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
Salem, VA - Joe Persichina hit a three-run home run in the top of the eighth inning to rally Winston-Salem past Salem 4-3 in the series finale on Thursday night at Lewis Gale Field. It was the first home run of the season for Persichina and it couldn't have come at a better time as it erased a 3-1 deficit and helped the Dash snap their four-game losing streak. Winston-Salem now leads Salem and Kinston by 1.5 games for first place in the Southern Division.
It also capped off a splendid series for the Dash utility man, who went 7-for-12 with seven RBI, two doubles and three runs scored as he played in the final three games of the four-game set. He entered the series hitting just .199.
Trailing 3-1 entering the eighth inning, Red Sox reliever Armando Zerpa hit Logan Johnson with a pitch with one out and surrendered an infield single to Justin Greene. Persichina followed with the game-winning shot that skirted over the right field wall to put the Dash in front 4-3. Closer Santo Luis made the lead stand as he worked two perfect innings including striking out the side in order in the ninth to collect his 13th save of the season.
The Dash took advantage of a Red Sox defensive mistake to plate the game's first run in the top of the third inning. An error by shortstop Ryan Dent, who was making his Carolina League debut, allowed Dale Mollenhauer to reach base safely with one out. Tyler Kuhn lined a single up the middle and Greg Paiml followed with an infield hit to load the bases. Seth Loman tallied an RBI ground out to give Winston-Salem a 1-0 lead. They had a chance to strike for more with runners on second and third, but Logan Johnson's line drive was snared by a leaping Aaron Reza at second base to end the inning.
Salem countered with a two-out rally off Jacob Rasner that produced three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. After Tim Federowicz hit into a double-play that left a runner on third with two outs, Brad Correll knotted the score at one with an RBI single. Anthony Rizzo doubled and Chih-Hsien Chaing followed with a two-run double off the left field wall to give the Red Sox a 3-1 lead.
Rasner (4-5) went seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits to garner the win. All three runs and five of the six hits he allowed came in the fourth inning. He entered the contest having tossed 11 shutout innings against Salem this season.
Salem starting pitcher Stephen Fife was solid in his six innings of work as he limited the Dash to one unearned run on six hits, but did not factor in the decision. Zerpa (1-3) was wild in his 1.2 innings and suffered the loss. He allowed three runs on two hits with two walks and two wild pitches.
The Dash returns to Wake Forest Baseball Park on Friday, August 28 when they host a three-game series against the Lynchburg Hillcats. Winston-Salem will hand the ball to RHP Dylan Axelrod (2-1, 1.56) while the Hillcats will turn to LHP Rudy Owens (1-1, 2.95). The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Winston-Salem Dash has teamed up with the Second Harvest Food Bank to strike out hunger on Thursday, September 3 when they host the Salem Red Sox at Wake Forest Baseball Park. The Dash is offering a special ticket price of $5 to everyone associated with Second Harvest Food Bank and all fans that support their mission. Anyone who donates a nonperishable food item at the game on September 3rd will receive this special $5 ticket offer.
For more information on all the upcoming promotions or to purchase single-game tickets, visit www.wsdash.com or by call the Dash office at (336) 714-2287.
Carolina League Stories from August 27, 2009
- Caldera Stymies Lynchburg Offense In Series Finale - Lynchburg Hillcats
- P-Nats Hold On To Take Series From P-Cans - Potomac Nationals
- Keys Officially Eliminated From Playoff Contention - Frederick Keys
- Persichina's Pop Powers Dash Past Sox 4-3 - Salem Red Sox
- Exclamation Domination Caps Off Sweep - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Birds Bats Continue To Struggle In Loss - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Persichina's Blast Powers Dash Past Red Sox in Series Finale - Winston-Salem Dash
- Potomac Nationals Game Notes - Potomac Nationals
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Dash Partner with Second Harvest Food Bank to Strike Out Hunger - Winston-Salem Dash
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