Mudcats outlast Dash in twin bill opener

ZEBULON, N.C. (April 8, 2018) - Dash right-hander Dylan Cease was perfect through his first 3.2 innings in his High-A debut, but a five-run fifth inning helped propel the Mudcats to a 5-2 win in game one of Sunday's doubleheader at Five County Stadium.
The Dash (1-2) got on the board first thanks to Mitch Roman's first High-A home run. The second baseman hit a solo shot down the right-field line off of Mudcats starter Nathan Kirby in the third inning.

Cease (0-1) was rolling through the first four innings, allowing just one hit and registering seven strikeouts. But, the Mudcats (2-1) were able to capitalize on bounces and miscues to plate five runs in the fifth inning with the help of just one hit. 
After a one-out walk, the Dash had a chance for a double play, but Yeyson Yrizarri had trouble transferring the ball out of his glove, resulting in runners on first and second and one out. A bloop single from Max McDowell brought home Carolina's first run of the frame, and the Mudcats were able to take the lead on a safety squeeze from Ryan Aguilar when Dash catcher Nate Nolan dropped Cease's throw to the plate. A walk, a hit-by-pitch and a sacrifice fly resulted in two more Carolina runs and signaled the end of Cease's afternoon. 
The fifth-best prospect in the White Sox system per MLB Pipeline, Cease went 4.2 innings, allowing two hits and five runs (two earned) while striking out seven. Matt Foster entered the game and issued back-to-back four-pitch walks, resulting in the Mudcats final run of the frame. 
The Dash got one back in the sixth. After Alex Call drew a leadoff walk, Yrizarri stroked a two-out single. Zach Remillard followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit to three. 
Winston-Salem threatened again in the seventh, bringing the tying run to the plate with one out. However, Mudcats closer Jon Olczak induced a pop out from Call and a strikeout from Yermin Mercedes to end the game, earning his second save of the season. Right-hander Victor Diaz (1-0) picked up the victory, going 3.1 innings and allowing three hits and one run.
The finale of Sunday's doubleheader will begin at approximately 3:50 p.m. at Five County Stadium. Right-hander Danny Dopico (first outing) will take the hill for Winston-Salem against fellow right-hander Conor Harber (first outing). Coverage will continue on MiLB.tv, wsdash.com/broadcast and the TuneIn Radio App.
The Dash open up their 2018 home slate on Thursday with a four-game series against the Carolina Mudcats. Promotions for Winston-Salem's opening homestand include a Lowes Foods Thirsty Thursday and Family Sunday, Fireworks Friday (presented by PTI Fly Easy) and much more. For tickets and more information, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.