Sox Stifled 4-1 by Dash in Season Finale

Hart Hard-Luck Loser with Quality Start Monday

Kyle Hart took the hard-luck loss Monday for Salem. (John Wacher)

By Ben Gellman

September 4, 2017

SALEM, VA (Monday, September 3, 2017) - The 2017 season came to a disappointing end for the Salem Red Sox Monday afternoon, as they labored through a 4-1 loss to the Winston-Salem Dash at Haley Toyota Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark.The Sox (33-37, 72-65) lost for the seventh time in

SALEM, VA (Monday, September 3, 2017) - The 2017 season came to a disappointing end for the Salem Red Sox Monday afternoon, as they labored through a 4-1 loss to the Winston-Salem Dash at Haley Toyota Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark.
The Sox (33-37, 72-65) lost for the seventh time in their final eight games, bringing the season to an unceremonious close. Winston-Salem (32-38, 56-84) benefited from a terrific start by Jimmy Lambert (W, 5-4), who allowed just four hits and a walk in seven shutout innings.

Winston-Salem opened the scoring in the top of the third against Sox starting pitcher Kyle Hart (L, 2-3). Daniel Gonzalez and Sam Dexter rapped consecutive singles to start the inning, putting runners at first and third. Dexter swiped second, and with one away, Toby Thomas brought Gonzalez home on a sacrifice fly, giving the Dash a 1-0 lead.
The Dash added some insurance in the top of the ninth against Salem reliever Harrison Cooney, who walked leadoff man Ti'Quan Forbes before Forbes advanced to second base on a wild pickoff throw. Jeff Gelalich singled Forbes home, and Gonzalez hit a bouncer to third that Jose Sermo misplayed for an error; Gelalich reached third on the miscue. Cooney hit Dexter to load the bases, and Bryant Flete and Thomas knocked consecutive RBI singles to run the lead to 4-0 for Winston-Salem.
Salem finally got on the board in the bottom of the ninth against Dash reliever Zach Thompson. Sermo led off the frame with a double to left, and moved up to third on a ground out by Tyler Spoon. Chris Madera bounced out to shortstop, but the play allowed Sermo to score and break up the shutout. With two outs, Jeremy Rivera drew a walk and moved to second on defensive indifference, but Bryan Hudson popped out to end the game and the season.
Hart took the hard-luck loss, allowing one run on seven hits and a walk in six innings and fanning five. Pat Goetze allowed one hit and struck out one in 1.2 scoreless frames. Daniel McGrath struck out the only batter he faced in the eighth inning. Cooney allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk, striking out one in one inning.
Season ticket packages for the 2018 season are available now, and they are packed with terrific benefits that are exclusive to season ticket-holders. To learn more, visit www.SalemSox.com, or contact the Salem Red Sox at 540-389-3333.