Unearned Run Pushes Potomac to Win in 10th
Published on June 21, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
WOODBRIDGE, VA - The Dash suffered their first walk-off loss of the season thanks to an unearned run in Potomac's 5-4, 10-inning win Thursday night at Pfitzner Stadium.
With the bases loaded and one down, Potomac's Stephen King tapped one to the right of the mound. Winston-Salem reliever Chris Bassitt (1-2) fielded it and threw to the plate to try to get the force out. However, his throw was wide, and catcher Mike Blanke could not tag the plate according to home plate umpire Robert Moreno. Despite an argument from Dash skipper Tommy Thompson, the call stood, and Winston dropped to 1-2 in extra-inning affairs this season.
The Dash (0-1, 44-26-1), who scored more runs than any other Carolina League team during the season's first half, continued their offensive surge with a three-run first inning to kick off half number two. Marcus Semien, who was activated off the disabled list prior to the game, led off the frame with a solo homer. Trayce Thompson and Cyle Hankerd each added an RBI single.
Winston-Salem continued its scoring in the fourth when Hankerd was plunked to lead off the inning. After he stole second, Michael Earley doubled down the left-field line to drive home Hankerd and push the Dash's lead to 4-0.
However, the Dash could not dent the scoreboard again. From the fifth inning on, Winston mustered only three base runners, and Neil Holland (4-1) retired all seven he faced to earn the victory for Potomac.
Dash starter Steve McCray rolled through his first five innings, allowing just three base runners. In the sixth, McCray surrendered three straight hits and left with a run already in and two men aboard. However, Steven Upchurch stranded both runners to preserve Winston-Salem's three-run lead.
The Nationals (1-0, 32-39) knotted the score in the seventh thanks to a trio of unearned tallies. With the bases loaded and down two, Blake Kelso plugged the left-center gap with a three-run triple, which proved to be the hit that sent the game to extra innings.
Winston-Salem and Potomac continue this three-game series Friday night at 7:05. The Dash send Jon Bachanov (5-1, 3.71 ERA) to the mound against fellow right-hander Trevor Holder (3-2, 3.83 ERA). Pre-game coverage begins at 6:50 on wsdash.com.
The Dash return to BB&T Ballpark for a week-long homestand Sunday afternoon at 5:00. Winston-Salem entertains Salem for a four-game series and Frederick for three games. For more information or to purchase your tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287.
Carolina League Stories from June 21, 2012
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- Mudcats Overwhelm Blue Rocks, 7-3 - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Aguilar, Wolters Shine in Rout of Blue Rocks - Carolina Mudcats
- Unearned Run Pushes Potomac to Win in 10th - Winston-Salem Dash
- Keys Stumble Late for Seventh Consecutive Loss - Frederick Keys
- Pelicans Two-Hit Keys to Start Second Half - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Epic Rain Postpones Second-Half Opener - Salem RidgeYaks
- 'Cats and Sox Postponed Due to Weather - Hill City Howlers
- Blue Rocks Game Notes - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Ventura to Play in Futures Game, Myers & Odorizzi Too - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- INF Mark DeRosa Rehabbing with Potomac Tonight - Potomac Nationals
- Bundy Selected to Futures All-Star Game - Frederick Keys
- Carlos Sanchez Selected to All-Star Futures Game - Winston-Salem Dash
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers
- Pelicans Face Bundy Saturday in Frederick - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
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