Baker's Gem Not Enough as Mudcats Fall to Dash, 1-0

Zebulon, N.C. - Dylan Baker tossed eight strong innings on Saturday night, but the Winston-Salem Dash managed a 1-0 win over the Carolina Mudcats at Five County Stadium. The Mudcats (32-35, 61-73) dropped their fourth in a row and the Dash (29-39, 59-78) snapped a five-game losing streak to Carolina.

Despite a tough losing decision, Baker (3-3) dazzled the Dash to the tune of one run on six hits across eight strong innings. He walked three and struck out two. It was the longest out of the season for the right-hander.

Brad Goldberg (4-4) took the win in relief after hurling 2 1/3 hitless innings. He walked two and struck out three. Zach Isler worked around two hits in the ninth to record his third save.

A pitcher's duel kept the game scoreless through seven innings before the Dash broke through on the only hit of the night with runners in scoring position. Keenyn Walker opened the eighth with a bouncing single to left. Adam Engel moved the center fielder to second with a sacrifice bunt, and a groundout by Cleuluis Rondon advanced him to third. Courtney Hawkins lined a hit to center, scoring Walker.

Carolina put the tying or go-ahead runner into scoring position on six occasions over nine innings, but finished the night 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

The Mudcats continue their final series of the regular season against the Winston-Salem Dash on Sunday at 6 p.m. Sunday's tilt at Five County Stadium will feature the final postgame fireworks show of the year. Gates open at 5 p.m. The regular season concludes with a 12 p.m. first pitch against Winston-Salem on Monday, September 1. Fans can purchase tickets or find more information by calling (919) 269-2287 or by visiting carolinamudcats.com.