Winston-Salem Dash Game Notes (September 6 at Frederick)
September 6, 2015 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
The Dash and Keys meet in the penultimate game of the regular season on Sunday at 6 p.m. from Maryland.
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WINSTON-SALEM DASH (43-23, 73-63) at FREDERICK KEYS (32-36, 64-74)
LHP Jordan Guerrero (6-3, 3.78 ERA) vs. LHP John Means (0-2, 8.56 ERA)
6 p.m. - Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium (Frederick, Md.)
Game #137 (Road Game #67)
KEYS SLOW DOWN DASH ON SATURDAY
Three Frederick pitchers combined to limit the Dash to one run on seven hits in the Keys' 4-1 victory on Saturday at Nymeo Field. Frederick starter Luis Gonzalez entered Saturday with the second-worst ERA (7.11) among full-season Minor League pitchers, but he tossed five frames and gave up just the Dash's lone run (Michael Danner RBI 1B). Jimmy Yacabonis blanked Winston-Salem over three innings before Stefan Crichton struck out the side in a perfect ninth for his second High-A save.
PEAKING AT THE RIGHT TIME
Even with Saturday's loss, the Dash have won 12 of their last 15 contests dating back to August 20, the only day this half that Winston-Salem has not possessed at least a share of first place. The Dash have outscored their opponents 67-39 during this span. In particular, the Dash have experienced tremendous success away from home as of late. Winston-Salem has won seven of its last nine road tilts. After going 13-22 (.371) on the road in half one, the Dash boast a 21-10 (.677) mark since the All-Star break.
GOING STREAKING
Michael Danner has hit safely in five straight games and 11 of his last 12. In those 12 contests, Danner is hitting .356 (16-for-45). Two Winston-Salem hitters ended lengthy funks on Saturday. With a fourth-inning single, catcher Brett Austin snapped an 0-for-17 slump, while Cleuluis Rondon wrapped up an 0-for-30 drought with a double in the seventh.
SOME HISTORY; MORE POSSIBLE
The Dash are one win away from posting the best winning percentage in the Dash era (2009-present). This immediately follows a 30-40 first half that represents the worst since the name change. Here is a look at the top three halves in the Dash era and how the current unit compares:
1. 2015, second half - 43-23 (.652)
2. 2012, first half - 44-25 (.638)
3. 2012, second half - 43-26 (.623)
4. 2010, first half - 43-27 (.614)
THE #PLAYOFFDASH STARTS IN WINSTON
Thanks to Thursday's shutout win at Wilmington, the Dash claimed their first Southern Division championship since 2012. Thus, the club has also guaranteed that Game 1 of the Southern Division Championship Series will take place at BB&T Ballpark. This contest will start at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday before the best-of-three series shifts to Myrtle Beach on Thursday and Friday (both 7:05 p.m. starts).
#PLAYOFFDASH
Since becoming a charter member of the CL in 1945, Winston has qualified for the postseason 27 times. The franchise owns an even record in the playoffs (57-57), and it boasts more Mills Cups (11) than any other team in league history. The club's last CL title came in 2003 as the Warthogs. This marks the fourth playoff journey for the club in the Dash era (2009-present):
2009: 0-3 vs. SAL in SDCS
2010: 3-0 vs. KIN in SDCS, 1-3 vs. POT in MCCS
2012: 2-1 vs. MB in SDCS, 1-3 vs. LYN in MCCS
SIZING UP THE MATCHUP
Myrtle Beach (80-56) and Winston-Salem (73-63) boast the top two overall records in the Carolina League, and the two teams split their 26-game season series. The Dash were 7-2 on the Grand Strand, while the Pelicans went 11-6 in the Triad. The top two pitching staffs on the circuit will be on display (MB - 3.03 ERA, W-S - 3.17 ERA). Myrtle Beach also enjoys a slight offensive advantage (4.2 to 3.9 runs per game).
DASH DOTS
Saturday starter Yency Almonte, who did suffer his third High-A loss, whiffed seven in four and a third innings...Last Sunday against the Keys, Almonte logged a career-high 12 strikeouts in six frames...The Dash's three-run loss was their most lopsided loss since August 13 at Potomac (5-1)...Since the All-Star break, the Dash are still 32-15 (.681) in games decided by three runs or less, including a 16-3 (.842) mark in one-run contests...Winston-Salem was 18-25 (.419) and 7-11 (.389) in such spots during the first half.
Carolina League Stories from September 6, 2015
- Guerrero, Dykstra Carry Dash to Record-Setting Win - Winston-Salem Dash
- Bases Loaded Rally Comes up Short - Frederick Keys
- Salem Shuts out Potomac 8-0 - Salem Red Sox
- Mudcats Lose Sunday Matinee 5-4 in Lynchburg - Carolina Mudcats
- Daury Torrez Returns from DL to Beat Blue Rocks - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Hillcats Prevail in 5-4 Win against Carolina - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Winston-Salem Dash Game Notes (September 6 at Frederick) - Winston-Salem Dash
- Three-Run First Inning Too Much for Rocks to Overcome in Loss to Pelicans - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Hillcats Game Notes September 6, 2015, 2 p.m. vs Carolina - Lynchburg Hillcats
- September 6 Carolina Mudcats Game Information - Carolina Mudcats
- Right-Hander Daury Torrez Activated off Disabled List - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Birds Split Twin Bill with Blue Rocks - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
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