Schnurbusch delivers RBI in road loss to Astros

BUIES CREEK, N.C. (June 15, 2017) - Despite a run-scoring single from Aaron Schnurbusch, Buies Creek used two pitchers to hold the Winston-Salem offense in check for a 4-1 victory at Jim Perry Stadium on Thursday night.
Making his fourth start against the Dash (22-45) this season, Astros left-hander Matt Bower retired all 12 batters he faced. The southpaw struck out five while dealing a strike on 29 of his 45 pitches.

Winston-Salem ended the perfect game quest in the fifth when Luis Basabe drew a one-out walk against Buies Creek lefty Framber Valdez (1-3). One inning later, Winston-Salem ended the no-hitter and the shutout bids, too.
Trailing 3-0 entering the frame, the Dash received their first hit from Carolina League All-Star Danny Mendick, who doubled down the left field line. Schnurbusch followed by lacing an RBI single to left to cut the deficit to two.
However, Winston-Salem was unable to capitalize after that. Valdez picked up his first victory of the season, tossing five innings and allowing just four hits and one run while striking out seven.
The Astros (36-31) quickly went to work in the bottom of the first inning against Brannon Easterling (4-4). Myles Straw led off the frame with a single and promptly stole second with Rodrigo Ayarza at the plate. Later in the at-bat, Ayarza blooped an RBI single to left-center to make it a 1-0 contest.
Following a single by Stephen Wrenn and a walk to Anthony Hermelyn, Spencer Johnson plated the second run on a sacrifice fly to left.
Easterling settled down after that, holding off the Astros until they plated an unearned run in the fifth. With Spencer Johnson on third and two outs, Dexture McCall reached on a throwing error by Johan Cruz.
The right-hander ultimately finished with five innings of work, allowing seven hits and three runs (two earned) while walking four and striking out four.
Buies Creek added its final tally in the eighth on an Ayarza RBI infield single against reliever Jake Johansen.
Despite the loss, Yelmison Peralta tossed two hitless innings out of the bullpen.
The Dash continue their final series of the first half on Friday against the Astros, with first pitch set for 7 p.m. from Jim Perry Stadium. Winston-Salem sends right-hander Dane Dunning (2-2, 4.02 ERA) to the bump against Buies Creek righty Hector Perez (3-2, 3.60 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.