Walker Shines in Frederick's Comeback Win
Published on August 18, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
FREDERICK, MD - Despite two home runs, including an inside-the-park homer, from Keenyn Walker, the Dash spoiled a four-run lead in the Frederick Keys' 8-4 victory Saturday night at Harry Grove Stadium.
With the loss, Winston-Salem (35-20, 79-45-1) could not extend its winning streak beyond six games, which matched the second-longest run for the club this season. The Dash have still won 20 of their last 25 and remain atop the Southern Division's second-half standings.
In a battle of top picks, Walker clubbed a leadoff homer to right against Frederick starter Kevin Gausman, the fourth-overall pick in this year's MLB Draft. This long ball was the first run allowed by Gausman, who was making his Carolina League debut.
Walker, the White Sox's top pick in last year's draft, climbed in for his second at bat with two down and two aboard in the second. Walker hit a shot to dead center, and Brenden Webb banged into the wall while trying to make the catch. With Webb on the ground and the ball rolling toward the infield, Walker cruised around the bases for an inside-the-park homer.
Walker has three home runs in the Carolina League, and all three have come against former Baltimore first-round selections. In addition to his two taters against Gausman Saturday, Walker hit a solo shot against Dylan Bundy, the fourth-overall pick last season, July 20 at BB&T Ballpark.
Frederick rallied back to knot the score in the middle innings. Mike Flacco's two-out, three-run dinger put the Keys on the board in the fourth, and Jerome Pena's RBI groundout knotted the score in the fifth frame.
The Keys (26-28, 53-71) took the lead in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and two down. Garabez Rosa bounced one to Marcus Semien, who committed a pair of errors on the play to allow two runs to score. Both unearned runs were charged to Justin Collop (8-3), who suffered the loss after allowing six runs, four of which were earned, in five and two-thirds innings.
Frederick added single tallies in the seventh and eighth for some insurance that its bullpen did not need. Eric Beaulac (2-1) allowed just one hit in four scoreless innings, and Matt Bischoff blanked the Dash in the eighth and ninth for his first save of the season. The Dash did not score after the second inning.
Winston-Salem aims for a series victory Sunday afternoon at 2:00 in its final regular season game with Frederick in 2012. Right-hander Steve McCray (6-3, 4.01 ERA) takes to the mound for the Dash, while the Keys' starter has not been announced. Pre-game coverage begins at 1:45 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.
Carolina League Stories from August 18, 2012
- 16 K's Vault Pelicans to Win - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Pelicans Fan Mudcats - Carolina Mudcats
- Keys Score Eight Unanswered Runs to Halt Dash - Frederick Keys
- It's Deja Blue as Wilmington Walks Off - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Nat Jacks Surge Potomac Past Salem 7-4 - Salem RidgeYaks
- Walker Shines in Frederick's Comeback Win - Winston-Salem Dash
- Hillcats Lose 1-0 on Walk-Off in Ninth - Hill City Howlers
- Trio of Homers Power Potomac to 7-4 Victory - Potomac Nationals
- Lynchburg Hilllcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers
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