Winston-Salem Dash Game Notes (June 19)
Published on June 20, 2021 under South Atlantic League (SAL)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
The Dash take on Greensboro for the final game in a six-game set tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m..
WINSTON-SALEM DASH (20-21) vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers (22-19)
LHP Taylor Varnell (3-1, 2.40 ERA) vs. RHP J.C. Flowers (0-1, 2.16 ERA)
2:00 p.m. - Truist Stadium (Winston-Salem, NC)
Game #42
BURKE LEADS DASH TO GAME 5 WIN
The Dash jumped out to an early advantage after a two-run blast from Alex Destino in the first, relying on a terrific start from Jeremiah Burke from there. The righty twirled five shutout frames, punching out two and allowing one hit, a first-inning triple to Liover Peguero.
Burke threw just 47 pitches and made them count - firing 35 strikes and trusting the strong defense behind him. The five frames tie a career-high for Burke, as the former Georgetown Hoya hit the five-inning mark for the eighth time in his career.
The Dash were given RBIs from Lenyn Sosa and Evan Skoug in the game, which the Grasshoppers made close after a two-run seventh. Brian Glowicki notched his second consecutive perfect save, guaranteeing the Dash a split of the series at the minimum.
Prior to first pitch, the White Sox #2 prospect Yoelqui Cespedes was activated and assigned to Winston-Salem. Cespedes, the younger half-brother of two-time All-Star Yoenis, went 0-3 at the plate with a walk and a run. The debut marked the first time Cespedes had played a game in the White Sox system.
J.C. FLOWERS FINISHES THE SERIES FOR 'HOPPERS
A former Florida State Seminole, Flowers makes his fourth start and ninth appearance of the season Sunday. A fourth-round selection in 2019, Flowers played both ways in Tallahassee, hitting .266 with 13 homers while maintaining a 1.69 ERA in 26.2 innings on the mound, racking up 13 saves.
Originally drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2016 out of Trinity Christian (FL) Academy, Flowers honored his commitment to the 'Noles and turned in three outstanding seasons, highlighted by earning the save in manager Mike Martin's 2000th career win.
While some scouts believed Flowers could play in the outfield at a high level in the minors or pros, the Pirates drafted the righty as a pitcher due to his impressive fastball and work ethic. Flowers figures to work as either a starter or reliever in the future and has a chance to anchor a rotation or bullpen at the higher levels.
I HAVE A CHILD!
Taylor Varnell starts for the second time against Greensboro in the series. Varnell was dealt the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) and two homers in the series opener against the Grasshoppers. The southpaw did not walk a batter and struck out two but was handed a loss for the first time this year.
Varnell has pitched nine innings against Greensboro this season, fanning seven and allowing five earned runs and eight hits.
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 take Monday off to rest after a stretch of 12 games at home in 14 days. Come Tuesday, they face the Asheville Tourists for the first time ever. The Dash and Tourists play twice this year, with Asheville coming to Truist Stadium for the final series of the season.
Asheville features an above-average offense statistically, ranking fourth in the High-A East in batting average and second in homeruns.
The Tourists struggle with pitching, ranking last in staff ERA at 6.39 - over one run worse than the 11th ranked club (Brooklyn). Defensively, they rank middle of the pack, committing 40 errors in 40 games played.
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