Winston-Salem falls despite Nash's four RBIs

ZEBULON, N.C. (May 12, 2017) - Telvin Nash drove in four runs in his return to the Dash on Friday night, but a five-run fifth propelled the Carolina Mudcats past Winston-Salem 8-5 in a series opener at Five County Stadium.
Playing in his first game since August 16, 2016, Nash smacked a three-run homer to left in his first at-bat against Mudcats starter Jordan Yamamoto to give the Dash (12-23) a 3-0 edge. Signed by the White Sox last June after shining for the York Revolution of the Atlantic League, the 26-year-old has hit 12 long balls in just 47 games with Winston-Salem.

Dash starter Zach Thompson (1-4) did not allow a hit through the first three innings, but the Mudcats (16-18) broke through in the fourth. Jake Gatewood doubled to lead off the frame, and, two batters later, Troy Stokes, Jr., delivered an RBI single to center to cut the deficit to two.
Nash would come through again in the fourth for Winston-Salem. With runners on first and second and two out, the 26-year-old smoked an RBI single off third baseman Weston Wilson's glove to put the Dash ahead 4-1.
However, Carolina seized control in the bottom of the frame. After the Mudcats put two runners on with one away, Luis Aviles roped an RBI double to make it a 4-2 contest.
Lucas Erceg followed with a two-run two-bagger to knot up the game at 4-4. The third consecutive run-scoring double, which came off the bat of Gatewood, gave the Muddies a 5-4 advantage and chased Thompson from the game. The Dash righty went 4.1 innings, allowing five hits and six runs (five earned).
Carolina capped its scoring in the fifth on a throwing error by third baseman Brady Conlan, before scoring two more runs in the sixth against Dash reliever Drew Hasler. 
Winston-Salem was able to concoct a threat in the ninth against southpaw Brad Kuntz. With two outs, Zack Collins lined an RBI single to drive home Luis Basabe, who scored three times in the series opener, and close the gap to three. Nash was hit by a pitch to bring the tying run to the plate, but Kuntz fanned Jeff Gelalich to end the game.
First-rounder Kodi Medeiros (1-3) picked up the win in relief, tossing five innings and allowing just one run and one hit.
The Dash continue their three-game series against the Mudcats on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Zebulon. Winston-Salem sends right-hander Brannon Easterling (2-1, 2.84 ERA) to the bump against Mudcats righty Cody Ponce (2-3, 4.00 ERA). Fans can catch all of Saturday's action on wsdash.com/broadcast and the TuneIn Radio App, with pregame coverage beginning at 4:45 p.m.
Following their series in Zebulon, #YourHomeTeam returns to BB&T Ballpark for an eight-game homestand. Winston-Salem will play a four-game series against the Lynchburg Hillcats, followed by a four-game series against Carolina. The promotions during this eight-day stretch include an All-You-Can-Eat For Free Night, a Fireworks Friday, a Chick-fil-A Four Pack Night and much more. For tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.