Dash shut out in final first half home game

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (June 14, 2017) - Wes Benjamin and two Wood Ducks relievers stymied the Dash's offense, while Down East posted eight runs and 12 hits to knock off Winston-Salem 8-0 on Wednesday evening at BB&T Ballpark.
After a scoreless first, Dash (22-44) starter Zach Thompson (1-7) ran into some trouble in the second. Back-to-back doubles by Josh Altmann and Tyler Sanchez plated Yanio Perez and Preston Scott, and Altmann came around to score on an RBI groundout by Arturo Lara to make it 3-0 Wood Ducks (23-42).

The turmoil continued in the third, as a two-out error by Johan Cruz on a ground ball up the middle by Altmann kept the inning alive and loaded the bases. Sanchez promptly unloaded the bags with a three-run double down the left field line, ending Thompson's night on the slab while pushing the Down East advantage to 6-0.
In the loss, Max Beatty tossed 3.1 scoreless innings of work while allowing just three hits in succession of Thompson. Ryan Riga and Louie Lechich hurled the final three frames for Winston-Salem, with Lechich notching his seventh consecutive scoreless appearance after spinning a hitless ninth on Wednesday.
The Woodies added a tally in the seventh and eighth frames via run-scoring singles by Lara and Matt Lipka, extending Down East's lead to 8-0.
Benjamin (4-6) was dominant over seven shutout innings for the Wood Ducks, surrendering just five hits while walking four and striking out two. Scott Williams and Tyler Ferguson combined to blank Winston over the final two frames.
The Dash will hit the road for their final series of the first half against the Buies Creek Astros beginning on Thursday at 7 p.m. from Jim Perry Stadium. Brannon Easterling (4-3, 4.27 ERA) toes the slab for Winston-Salem against Buies Creek lefty Framber Valdez (0-3, 3.43 ERA). Pregame coverage starts at 6:45 p.m. on wsdash.com/broadcast and the TuneIn Radio App.
The second half of the Dash's 2017 season is loaded with promotions. The Dash kick off their second half with a four-game series against the Buies Creek Astros from June 22 to June 25. This four-game homestand includes a Lowes Foods Thirsty Thursday, Fireworks Friday, Chick-fil-A Four Pack Night and three Kids Run the Bases opportunities, powered by New Balance Winston-Salem.
Also, local product Josh Hawkins, a Glenn High School native who now plays for the Green Bay Packers, will make a special appearance before Thursday's tilt, which also marks the second and final "Dash of the Past" night at BB&T Ballpark. For tickets and more information, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.