Gatewood's six RBIs lift Mudcats past Dash

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (May 22, 2017) - The Dash held a three-run advantage after six innings but were unable to overcome a career-high tying six RBIs from Jake Gatewood as the Carolina Mudcats squeezed by with a 7-6 victory on Monday night at BB&T Ballpark.
Winston-Salem (14-31) led 6-3 going into the seventh when Carolina (24-20) provided the final lead change of the contest. After the Muddies loaded the bases with two outs against Dash reliever Andre Wheeler, Isan Diaz drew an RBI walk against Ryan Riga (0-3) to make it a two-run affair. Gatewood, who is ranked the 25th-best prospect in Milwaukee's farm system according to MLB Pipeline, followed with a bases-clearing double to right-center to put Carolina ahead 7-6.

A one-run lead proved to be enough for Jordan Yamamoto, who locked down his first save of the season with three shutout innings out of the bullpen.
Gatewood started off his night with a three-run shot to left in the first inning against Winston-Salem starter Zach Thompson. The right-hander ultimately settled down after that, hurling 5.1 frames and allowing six hits and three runs while striking out three in his longest start of the month.
The Dash were able to get one back in the bottom of the frame against Muddies starter Kodi Medeiros. After Zack Collins laced a two-out double to right-center, Landon Lassiter lined an RBI double to right to cut the deficit to two.
Medeiros threw a scoreless second and third before the Dash took their first lead in the fourth. A pair of walks issued to Collins and Keon Barnum, sandwiched with a single by Lassiter, set up Brady Conlan for a bases-loaded situation. On a 1-0 count, Conlan was hit by a pitch on his left foot to make it a 3-2 contest. Toby Thomas tied the score by reaching on an RBI fielder's choice, and, two batters later, Danny Mendick put the Dash ahead 4-3 on a sacrifice fly.
Winston-Salem added two more runs in the sixth. With a runner on second and nobody out, Thomas smacked an RBI single to center to give the Dash a two-run advantage. After Thomas stole second, Johan Cruz ripped a single to left to put runners at the corners, and a double steal plated the Dash's final run of the contest.
Brad Kuntz (2-2) ultimately picked up the win, retiring Mendick on a lineout and doubling off Cruz at second on the play following the double steal.
Winston-Salem now hits the road for a three-game set against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. inside TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The Dash send right-hander Brannon Easterling (2-3, 3.50 ERA) to the hill against Myrtle Beach southpaw Justin Steele (2-3, 2.65 ERA). Fans can catch all of Tuesday's action on wsdash.com/broadcast and the TuneIn Radio App, with pregame coverage scheduled for 6:50 p.m.
Following its series in South Carolina, #YourHomeTeam returns to BB&T Ballpark for an eight-game homestand. Winston-Salem will play a four-game series against the Down East Wood Ducks from May 26-29, followed by a four-game set against Wilmington from May 31-June 3.
The promotions during this eight-game stretch include two Fireworks Fridays, a Lowes Foods Thirsty Thursday, a Dillon Brothers Appearance/Bobblehead Giveaway and much more. Also, the Dash are hosting the return of "Energize the Ballpark," presented by Eanes Heating and Air, on Saturday, June 3. Sidewalks Prophets will perform a concert for all fans on hand. For tickets and more information, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.