Dash Homers Past 'Cats, Series 1-1
Game two pitted Ryan Weber, who pitched three innings just three days ago, against Justin Collop, who was making his first post-season appearance. After struggles last night, it would be Winston-Salem that would strike first.
In the bottom of the third, Weber gave up back-to-back singles that point Chris Curley and Keenyn Walker at the corners. Weber, worried about the speed of Walker, threw over to first several times. However, the last one got away from Chris Garcia at first base, Curley scored and Walker got to second to give the Dash the 1-0 lead.
The lead was short lived for the Dash because the Hillcats were able to capitalize in the top of the fourth inning. The bases were loaded with one out when Dan Brewer hit a line drive up the middle to score Tommy La Stella, but Walker misplayed it in center field and Garcia recognized the mistake and hustled home to give the 'Cats a 2-1 lead. On the play, Edward Salcedo reached third and Brewer made it to second. Mycal Jones would come up and lay down a squeeze to get Salcedo home and push the lead to 3-1.
Weber continued to cruise until the bottom of the sixth. He gave up a double to the lead-off batter, Walker. Matt Chaffee would enter and give up a double to Daniel Wagner that scored Walker and made it 3-2. After two outs, Kevan Smith crushed a 0-1 pitch over the left field wall to give the Dash the 4-3 lead.
For good measure, Marcus Semien added a solo shot off John Cornely to cushion the lead. It was 5-4 after eight.
Looking for his second save of the playoffs, Taylor Thompson was set to face the 'Cats. He started by walking Brewer, but was able to retire the next two batters. However, Andrelton Simmons crushed a double to give Lynchburg hope and score Brewer. With the score 5-4 and the tying run at second, Thompson shut the door by getting Nick Ahmed to ground out weakly.
Chaffee (0-1) got the loss by going two innings, allowing two hits, that lead to two runs, while striking out five. Kevin Vance (2-0) got the win in his one and two-thirds innings.
The series is knotted up at 1-1.
Game three of the Mills Cup will be Tuesday after travel day tomorrow. The 'Cats will send Gus Schlosser (1-0, 0.00) to the hill to try to regain the series lead. Erik Johnson (0-1, 6.35) will be on the mound for the Dash to do the same. The gates at Calvin Falwell Field will open at 5:00pm. If you can't make it to the game, the live radio broadcast will go on the air at 5:40pm beginning with the Hillcats On-Deck Show powered by Honda/Suzuki of Lynchburg. Listen live to all the action on 105.5 FM KD Country or online at lynchburg-hillcats.com.