Wood Ducks Rally in the Eighth, Win Big Over the Dash

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - An incredible two-out rally in the eighth inning propelled the Wood Ducks (7-10, 42-45) ahead in a 7-1 victory over the Dash (11-5, 52-34). All six runs in the big inning were scored with two outs and highlighted by a three-run home run by Josh Altmann.

The homer gave Altmann his third hit of the game as he joined Chuck Leblanc as DEWDs with three-hit contests. Leody Taveras and Alex Kowalczyk also added multi-hit efforts as the Woodies mashed 13 hits in the win.
Leblanc lined a double into right-center in the top of the sixth to bring home Taveras to open the scoring for the game. Leblanc increased his team lead in batting average up to .285 with his performance. 
Sal Mendez received a no decision working into the sixth inning with four strikeouts and only one run allowed. The Dash loaded the bases against Mendez in the sixth and chased him from the contest. Down East opted for Michael Matuella from the 'pen and only a bloop single to right would tie the game at one. 
The right-hander then induced a pop out, ground out, and a strikeout to finish off the inning with the bases loaded. He returned to toss a scoreless seventh with another strikeout and keep the game tied at one.
In the eighth, the rally began with Brendon Davis on first with two outs for Kowalczyk. He lined his second double down the right field line to place runners on second and third. Franklin Rollin drew a walk and ball four was a wild pitch to give the DEWDs the lead.
It was just the beginning as both Ricky Valencia and Eric Jenkins lined singles to right to each produce an RBI. Down East was up 4-1 with the top of the order up, and Josh Altmann stayed white hot with a three-run blast to left field. It was his 17th homer of the season and ninth of the half to lead the Rangers.
The dinger also tied him with Round Rock's Tommy Joseph for the most homers on the Rangers farm this season. For the final two innings were scoreless from Jacob Lemoine as the Woodies snapped a four-game losing streak with the win.
The series finale comes on Sunday at 2:00 and will be the final game of the regular season at BB&T Ballpark. Right-hander Robby Rowland will take the mound for his third start with the Woodies against right-hander Luis Martinez for the Dash.