Boss' blast pushes Mudcats past Dash

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Aug. 24, 2014) - Torsten Boss slugged a two-out, three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning, leading the Carolina Mudcats to a stunning 7-5 win over Winston-Salem on Sunday afternoon at BB&T Ballpark.

Trailing 5-4 in the ninth inning, Carolina (30-31, 59-69) rallied against Dash reliever Zach Isler (1-7). Yhoxian Medina reached on an error by third baseman Trey Michalczewski and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Yandy Diaz. Joe Sever delivered an infield single to place runners at first and second. With two outs, Boss yanked a fly ball over the right field fence, stunning the crowd of 5,439 in attendance and giving the Mudcats a 7-5 lead.

Winston-Salem (28-34, 58-73) had one last chance in the bottom of the ninth. Adam Engel drew a one-out walk, but closer Josh Martin shut the door to earn his second save of the season.

Winston-Salem's fourth straight loss puts them in serious trouble for a postseason berth. Salem defeated Wilmington in the resumption of Saturday's suspended game, putting the Dash four-and-a-half games behind the Red Sox for the final Southern Division playoff spot with eight regular season contests remaining. At the time of this release, Salem was playing a regularly scheduled tilt against the Blue Rocks.

The Dash broke a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning. Keon Barnum led off with a single against Carolina reliever Jacob Lee (2-1). Michalczewski's sacrifice bunt moved Barnum to second. Nick Basto's base hit to right field chased Barnum home, giving Winston-Salem a 5-4 lead.

The Mudcats dented the scoreboard in the third inning against Dash right-hander Nick Blount, who was making his first High-A start. James Roberts launched a solo homer and Alex Monsalve had an RBI single, giving the visitors a 2-0 advantage.

Winston-Salem used some power to grab control in the fourth inning. Michalczewski and Michael Marjama singled against Carolina starter Ryan Merritt, setting the stage for C.J. Beatty. The Winston-Salem native lifted a three-run homer to right field for his first dinger in a Dash uniform, pushing his club in front by a 3-2 margin.

Carolina immediately answered in the fifth. Dash reliever Brad Goldberg walked the bases loaded and allowed sacrifice flies to Joe Sever and Monsalve, putting the Mudcats back in the driver's seat by a 4-3 score.

The Dash tied the game in the sixth against Merritt, a Carolina League Pitcher of the Year candidate. Marjama doubled to the left-center field gap, scoring Michalczewski to equal the contest at 4-4.

The Dash will try to avoid a rare home sweep against Carolina on Monday night. Winston-Salem will send right-hander Brandon Brennan (2-0, 3.54 ERA) to the mound, while the Mudcats counter with righty Dylan Baker (3-2, 4.68 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Come see the Dash at BB&T Ballpark for the final time in the regular season! For tickets, visit wsdash.com or call (336) 714-2287.

If you can't make it to the game, you can follow all the action on wsdash.com/broadcast, beginning with the Pregame Dash at 6:45.