Rodon, Rondon shine in tough loss to Hillcats

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (August 13, 2014) - Carlos Rodon put forth another strong outing in his second High-A start, but Winston-Salem's losing streak reached a season-high eight games with a 4-3 setback against Lynchburg at BB&T Ballpark on Wednesday night.

Many in the crowd of 5,410 were dressed in red for the former NC State star as Rodon pitched three and two-third innings. The third overall pick by the White Sox in this year's MLB Draft allowed an unearned run, three hits and one walk while striking out a career-high seven batters. He tossed 61 pitches in his fourth appearance with Winston-Salem.

With the game tied 3-3 in the ninth inning, Lynchburg (28-23, 62-59) broke the deadlock against Dash reliever Raul Fernandez (1-2). Emerson Landoni drew a leadoff walk and stole second base. Jose Martinez singled to right field, chasing Landoni home for a 4-3 lead.

The Dash (24-28, 54-67) had one last gasp in the bottom of the ninth. With Cleuluis Rondon at first base and two outs, Hillcats reliever David Peterson struck out Courtney Hawkins for his first save of the season.

Trailing 3-0 in the fourth inning, Lynchburg scored its only run against Rodon. With runners at second and third, a passed ball by catcher Omar Narvaez allowed Justin Bloxom to race home, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

The Hillcats tied the game in the fifth against Dash reliever Terance Marin. Kevin Ahrens and Will Skinner recorded RBIs to even the contest at 3-3.

Winston-Salem struck early against Lynchburg starter Wes Parsons. Rondon and Keon Barnum singled before Trey Michalczewski's base hit plated Rondon, giving the home team a 1-0 edge in the first inning.

The Dash used a two-out rally to extend its lead in the second. C.J. Beatty singled and Adam Engel reached on an error, placing runners at second and third. Rondon came through with a base hit to left, scoring Beatty and Engel for a 3-0 Dash advantage. The 20-year-old Rondon tied a career-high with four hits in the game.

Lynchburg's bullpen helped change the momentum in the ballgame. Left-hander Brady Feigl struck out six in three and two-third innings and righty Benino Pruneda (2-2) added six strikeouts in two and one-third innings.

The Dash will try to snap their longest skid since last August on Thursday against the Hillcats. Winston-Salem will send right-hander Brandon Brennan (1-0, 2.70 ERA) to the mound, while Lynchburg counters with righty Lucas Sims (7-9, 4.42 ERA). Sims is rated as the best prospect in the Atlanta Braves' organization by Baseball America. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The series finale is also a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Link Apartments Brookstown. Fans 21-and-older can enjoy select beers for $1 through the seventh inning! For tickets, visit wsdash.com or call (336) 714-2287.

If you can't make it to BB&T Ballpark, you can follow all the action on 600 AM-WSJS in the Winston-Salem area, beginning with the Pregame Dash at 6:45.