Seven Unanswered Give Keys Fifth Straight Win

SALEM, VA - The Frederick Keys scored the final seven runs of the game, while a five-run eighth sealed an 8-1 win over the Salem Red Sox on Wednesday night at LewisGale Field. It was the club's fifth straight victory, the most games the Keys have won in succession since 2011. Wednesday's triumph also improved Frederick's road record to 24-23 on the year. On Thursday, the Keys will look for their first four-game sweep of the year.

The Keys managed just one run off Justin Haley over the first six innings. That run came in the initial frame, as Mike Yastrzemski led off the game with a triple and scored on a sac-fly by Glynn Davis. From there, Haley was virtually unhittable. He allowed only two hits over his final five innings of work, while he struck out six and did not walk a batter. It was Haley's seventh quality start of the year.

Parker Bridwell struggled with command, but worked around three walks in his first three innings thanks to a pair of double plays. However, Salem evened the score in the fourth. Carson Blair opened the inning with a double and advanced 90 feet on a groundout by Kevin Heller. A walk to Aneury Tavarez put runners at the corners for Mario Martinez, who brought Blair to the plate via a groundout to the left side.

Bridwell exited after the fifth. Although the righty walked five batters, he gave up only one run on three hits and struck out three.

Lex Rutledge retired six in-a-row before the Keys took the lead for good in the seventh. Facing Madison Younginer, Michael Burgess singled and stole second. Zane Chavez followed with a walk, to set up a pair for Jason Esposito, who slammed a two-run double high off the wall in left.  

Ahead 3-1, Frederick applied the dagger in the eighth, batting around against Younginer (1-2) and Dayan Diaz. In the inning, the first six reached base. Mike Yastrzemski delivered the first blow with a two-run double which scored Tucker Nathans and Jerome Pena. Two batters later, Trey Mancini brought Yastrzemski home with an RBI single, while a double by Burgess plated Davis.

The two-bagger ended Younginer's night. Tagged with his second loss of the year, the righty gave up seven runs on seven hits to go along with three walks and a strikeout. Chavez closed out the scoring in the eighth with a sac-fly. Jimmy Yacabonis closed the door in the ninth.

The Keys go for a series sweep on Thursday night when Dylan Bundy (0-0, 5.79) takes the mound against Sox righty Pat Light (3-4, 5.92). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from Salem Memorial Ballpark, and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source. Frederick returns to Harry Grove Stadium on Friday, when the Potomac Nationals come to town. For ticket information, fans can call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.