Winston edges Keys, whittles magic number to four

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Aug. 27, 2015) - Spencer Adams pitched six innings of two-run ball, and Trey Michalczewski and Michael Danner each contributed two-run doubles in the Winston-Salem Dash's 5-4 victory over the Frederick Keys on Thursday at Debbie D. Harllee Ballpark.

The Dash (37-21, 67-61) improved to 15-2 in one-run games in the second half. Coupled with Carolina's loss, Winston-Salem trimmed their playoff magic number to four, while the Dash increased their lead over Myrtle Beach to 2.5 for the second-half Southern Division title.

With the score knotted at two in the sixth, Frederick (29-31, 61-69) shortstop Adrian Marin committed consecutive errors to put runners on the corners. Nolan Earley dribbled a ball to first, but Nick Basto beat the throw to the plate to give Winston its first lead. It was Earley's eighth RBI in his last eight games. Two batters later, Danner laced a two-run double to make it 5-2.

The Keys came storming back in the seventh. Josh Hart doubled to begin the frame, and Wynston Sawyer walked with one out to put runners on first and second. Two batters later, Derek Peterson notched a two-run single to draw Frederick within one.

Winston-Salem brought on Brad Goldberg for the eighth. Consecutive singles and a sacrifice bunt put runners on second and third with one out. Hart lined a one-hopper to Michalczewski at third. Michalczewski threw low to the plate, but Dash catcher Brett Austin dug the ball out of the dirt and applied the tag on Tad Gold for the second out. After a walk loaded the bases, Goldberg fanned Sawyer to retire the side.

Goldberg worked a perfect ninth inning for his team-best ninth save. The Dash bullpen has converted 29 of its last 31 saves dating back to June 30.

Frederick broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with Marin's solo home run off Adams (2-0). After back-to-back singles, a second Keys run came in on a fielder's choice.

Adams scattered eight hits to yield just two runs in six innings. He did not walk a batter while fanning four to earn the win. Winston-Salem pitchers stranded base runners in seven innings, holding the Keys to 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

With Frederick leading 2-0, Adam Engel hustled out a double to begin the fifth. After a Jake Peter walk, Michalczewski laced a two-run double to tie the game at two.

The Dash send Carson Fulmer (0-0, 2.81 ERA) to the bump Friday against Frederick's Mitch Horacek (7-15, 4.54 ERA). Pregame radio coverage is available at 6:45 p.m., with the first pitch at 7 p.m. on wsdash.com/broadcast and the TuneIn App.

All fans can enjoy a Fireworks Show, presented by WilcoHess, after the Dash's contest with Frederick on Friday. For tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.