SAL Winston-Salem Dash

Winston-Salem Looks to Clinch Series Win in Game Five Clash with Asheville

Published on June 17, 2023 under South Atlantic League (SAL)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release


WINSTON-SALEM, NC - Backed by a spectacular pitching performance from the Winston-Salem staff Friday night, the Dash took game four 2-1 over the Asheville Tourists. Saturday night, the Dash look to clinch the series win and inch closer to securing a playoff spot in the South Atlantic League South.

In game four, Winston-Salem's trio of relievers combined for nine shutout innings, giving up just four total hits and striking out 11. While it was a quiet night offensively, the Dash managed just enough from the plate to scrape out a victory in extra innings.

Game 5 Mound Matchups

Connor McCullough is set to get the start for the Dash. The 23-year-old has only made a trio of starts since being called up from Kannapolis on May 31, but he's shown some flashes. On June 6 against the Bowling Green Hot Rods, McCullough labored five innings, giving up just 1 run.

He's been susceptible to the long ball since arriving in Winston-Salem, giving up five homers across his three starts. Still, he's been able to display some of his strikeout prowess. In his last outing, June 11 against Bowling Green, he struck out six in five frames.

McCullough has posted a 2.98 ERA this season in 10 starts to go along with 58 strikeouts. His stuff was highly effective in Single-A, and he was striking out a little over six batters a game. The Kansas State University product will hope to give the Dash some length Saturday night and ease the pressure off a bullpen coming off a terrific performance.

For Asheville, 22-year-old righty Joey Mancini will be toeing the rubber. Mancini was called up from Single-A on May 17, and his appearances have largely been defined by inconsistency. He boasted tremendous strikeout numbers in Single-A, but he's struggled to remain effective since the promotion.

With the Tourists, Mancini has posted a 7.85 K/9 and has struggled with location, walking batters at a 4.91 per nine-inning clip. In his last appearance, June 11 against the Aberdeen IronBirds, Mancini tossed four innings of five-hit, 2-run ball and struck out two.

Across his 18.1 innings with Asheville, Mancini has conceded an opposing batting average of .361, and possesses a WHIP of 2.18. The Dash, who have struggled to string together consistency from the plate this series, will have a prime opportunity to regain some confidence in game five.

A Special Month in the Making for Jared Kelley

In the month of June, 21-year-old righty Jared Kelley has been one of Winston-Salem's most reliable arms. Across 11.2 innings, he's given up just three hits, struck out 16 and conceded 0 runs.

Friday night, Kelley put on perhaps his finest showing of the year. In five shutout innings, he gave up two hits, walked one and struck out seven as a crucial component of the walk-off win. The former 2nd round MLB draft selection has been as lockdown as can be a little over midway through the month.

Game 5 Details

Prior to Saturday night's game, Little Leagues will have the opportunity to participate in a Home Run Derby with the purchase of group tickets as part of the ballpark's Little League Night. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Truist Stadium.

Check out the Winston-Salem Dash Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 17, 2023


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