Winston-Salem Dash Game Notes (June 19)
June 19, 2021 - South Atlantic League (SAL)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
The Dash take on Greensboro for the fifth game in a six-game set tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m..
WINSTON-SALEM DASH (19-21) vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers (22-18)
RHP Jeremiah Burke (1-2, 3.48 ERA) vs. RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (1-1, 0.84 ERA)
6:00 p.m. - Truist Stadium (Winston-Salem, NC)
Game #41
FIRST INNING DOOMS DASH IN 6-2 LOSS
The Dash stumbled early, falling into a 4-0 hole after the first frame, dropping the fourth game of the series 6-2. Winston-Salem starter Davis Martin only lasted 0.2 innings, allowing four earned runs and four hits. Greensboro tacked on another run in the second after Aaron Shackelford blasted his 11th homer of the season, opening the floodgates for a potent Grasshoppers offense.
While Martin struggled, the bullpen kept the Dash somewhat close throughout the contest. Trey Jeans completed the first frame and allowed one earned run in 2.1 innings. Ryan Williamson pitched a scoreless inning, and Isaiah Carranza spun five innings of one-run ball from the bullpen, his first time pitching out of the bullpen this season.
A LOOK AT CARMEN MLODZINSKI
Starting for the Grasshoppers in the series finale is Carmen Mlodzinski, a right-hander from Hilton Head Island, SC and the University of South Carolina. Drafted 31st overall in 2020, Mlodzinski (pronounced, Ma-GIN-Ski) features a three-quarters delivery and a fastball that runs 92-96 mph. Originally recruited as a two-way player to South Carolina, the righty became a full-time pitcher for the Gamecocks after coaches saw his arm strength and fastball, moving him to the mound full time. Mlodzinski began his high school career at shortstop, not toeing the rubber until his junior season while only throwing 45 innings in his high school career.
After a decorated high school career, Mlodzinski went to South Carolina with decent results his first two seasons, exploding in the shortened 2020 season after a trip to the Cape Cod League. The righty pitched to a 2.84 ERA in four starts in 2020 and was named to the preseason watch list for the Golden Spikes Award, given each year to the top collegiate baseball player.
South Carolina pitching coach Skylar Meade compared his delivery to that of Brandon Webb and Roy Halladay - lofty comparisons that Meade stated would take a lot of work to reach, but ones that the former Gamecock will strive to achieve.
BURKE BATTLES THE 'HOPPERS
Jeremiah Burke gets his second crack at the Grasshoppers this year after throwing four relief frames on June 2, striking out four and allowing four earned runs.
The former Georgetown Hoya joined the Dash on May 19, originally slotting as a reliever after appearing out of the bullpen in his first four appearances between the Dash and Low-A Kannapolis. The Dash had other plans for the one-time college starter, moving Burke to the rotation.
THE 'HOPPERS: HOW DO THEY STACK UP?
On paper, Greensboro is a team that can rack up extra-base hits and runs aplenty while amassing strikeouts in droves on the mound. The Grasshoppers rank in the top three in the High-A East in doubles, homeruns, OPS, RBIs, and walks drawn. Led by Shackelford's ten homeruns and Frazier's .339 average, the offense is perhaps their most dangerous weapon. Greensboro has been without top prospect Nick Gonzales since May 19 but has proved to be ferocious even without their star infielder.
When it comes to pitching, Greensboro ranks second in the High-A East ERA and hits allowed, using a solid blend of starting and relief pitching to put zeros on the board.
A PREVIEW OF TOMORROW
The Dash turn to Taylor Varnell for the second time in the series, sending the southpaw to the mound on Father's Day. Varnell is set to make his ninth appearance and sixth start of the season. The lefty went five innings against the 'Hoppers in the series opener, allowing three runs (two earned) with two homers and two strikeouts. Sunday marks the third time Varnell will face Greensboro this season.
The righty J.C. Flowers earns the start for the fourth time this season for Greensboro. Flowers will make his ninth appearance of the season, carrying a 2.16 ERA in 25 innings, fanning 30. Flowers began the season with Low-A Bradenton, receiving a promotion on June 5 and tossing four shutout innings against the Dash.
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