Rodon throws well in Dash's third straight loss

WOODBRIDGE, Va. (Aug. 7, 2014) - Carlos Rodon tossed three scoreless innings in his first High-A start, but the Potomac Nationals rallied with four runs in the eighth inning to sweep Winston-Salem 6-4 at Pfitzner Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Rodon, the third overall pick by the White Sox in the 2014 MLB Draft, allowed two hits and one walk in his three innings of work. The former NC State star struck out three, raising his season total with the Dash to eight in six innings. He needed just 39 pitches in the longest appearance of his young professional career.

Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Potomac (26-18, 64-49) made its move against Terance Marin (3-3). Randolph Oduber's RBI single tied the game to force Marin's exit. With Brandon Hardin in from the bullpen, John Wooten blasted a three-run homer to left-center field, putting the P-Nats on top 6-3.

Winston-Salem (24-23, 54-62) tried to rally in the ninth inning. Justin Jirschele walked and advanced to third on Jacob May's double, his third hit of the game. Cleuluis Rondon's groundout to second base scored Jirschele to make it 6-4, but Courtney Hawkins' fly ball to deep left field was caught to end the contest and preserve Gilberto Mendez's ninth save of the season.

The Dash grabbed the lead in the roller-coaster contest during top of the eighth against Potomac reliever Kylin Turnbull (1-3). Hawkins reached on an error by the third baseman Wooten. Jason Coats followed with a single to left field, placing runners at first and second. Keon Barnum singled to right, bringing Hawkins home for a 3-2 Dash lead.

Winston-Salem plated the initial run in the top of the first. May and Rondon began the contest with back-to-back singles against Potomac starter Ian Dickson. Later in the inning, Coats grounded out to short, bringing May home for a 1-0 Winston-Salem lead.

Potomac tied the game in the bottom of the fourth against Marin. Khayyan Norfork's single to center field brought home Shawn Pleffner, squaring the contest at 1-1.

Winston-Salem jumped back in front in the top of the sixth inning. Rondon and Coats singled. A wild pitch by Dickson moved the runners to second and third. Barnum followed with a walk, loading the bases with one out. Omar Narvaez lofted a sacrifice fly to left field, chasing Rondon home for a 2-1 Dash edge.

The P-Nats battled back in the seventh. Estarlin Martinez doubled to center field, bringing home Wooten to tie the game at 2-2.

Winston-Salem will look to snap its three-game losing streak when they begin a three-game series at Lynchburg on Friday. The Dash will send right-hander Brandon Brennan (1-0, 3.60 ERA) to the mound, while the Hillcats counter with righty Lucas Sims (7-9, 4.42), the top prospect in the Atlanta Braves system. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. You can follow all the action at wsdash.com/broadcast, beginning with the Pregame Dash at 5:50.

The Dash return home Tuesday, August 12, for a quick three-game homestand against the Hillcats. The opener of the series features a postgame fireworks show and $1 hot dogs! For tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.