Keys and Red Sox Split Quasi-Doubleheader

SALEM, Va. -After it started on Thursday, the Frederick Keys wrapped up the first game of the second half, winning 5-1 at LewisGale Field on Saturday. However the Salem Red Sox got a complete game from Daniel McGrath in the nightcap to earn a 2-1 victory and split the quasi-doubleheader. Mitch Horacek went the distance in game two, but suffered the loss.

Stopped on Friday night for the second straight day, the Keys and Red Sox picked up the first game of the series in the bottom of the fifth with two outs and the orange and black up 4-0. Making his first Carolina League appearance, Garrett Cleavinger got Wendell Rijo to pop out to send the Keys back to bat.

Frederick added an insurance run in the ninth inning following a walk to Steve Wilkerson, a pair of groundouts and a wild pitch. That was the only run the Keys mustered against German Taveras, who allowed just one hit over the final four innings.

Salem though managed just one run, on a solo homer by Deiner Lopez off Cleavinger in the bottom of the seventh. The southpaw would give way to Tanner Scott with two outs in the inning, and the lefty went the west of the way pick up his third save. Scott allowed one hit in 2.1 stanzas. Jeff Beliveau (1-0) picked up the victory, surrendering one hit across 3.1 innings. He struck out seven.

In game two, Horacek (3-8) and McGrath (2-3) matched each other pitch for pitch for most of the game. Salem scored in the second with two outs, as Jordan Betts worked a full count walk. The next batter Jose Sermo doubled down the third base line to make it 1-0.

The next run would not come home until the fifth, as the Keys leveled the game. Jomar Reyes opened things up with a double, and scored three batters later on a second two-bagger by Erick Salcedo. Frederick's shortstop enjoyed a nice doubleheader, going a combined 5-for-6.

Salem grabbed the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth. With one out Ben Moore singled, moved to second on a walk and then to third on a fielder's choice. That sent up Rafael Devers who singled through the right side. On the play, Rijo tried to score from first, but was thrown out at the plate.

McGrath pitched out of a first and third jam in the sixth before working a clean seventh to finish his complete game. The second of his pro career, the southpaw gave up one run on five hits, walked one and struck out five. Horacek tossed six innings of two-run baseball, scattered five hits, walked four and struck out four. It was his third straight quality outing and third complete game in four starts (he leads the league).

Due to inclement weather, Friday's postponed game has been rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, August 27. The twinbill will start at 4 p.m.

On Sunday, the two sides conclude the three-game set. Right-hander Franderlin Romero (4-0, 3.63) starts for the Keys and will be opposed by Red Sox lefty Trey Ball (4-3, 2.60). First pitch is slated for 4:05 p.m and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source and frederickkeys.com. Frederick returns to Nymeo Field on Monday night when the Carolina Mudcats come to town. For tickets, fans can call the Keys at 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.