BeerMongers Fall 1-0 in Pitching Duel in Battle for 460

SALEM, Va. – Despite Cole Tolbert setting a new career high in innings pitched, the Salem BeerMongers (54-74, 29-34) allowed an eighth-inning run and fell to the Hill City Howlers (55-73, 24-38), 1-0, on Thursday night at Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark.

In a game where runs were at a premium from the opening pitch, one swing in the eighth inning proved to be the difference.

Erick Dessens broke a scoreless tie with a solo home run to right-center field in the top of the eighth. It was Dessens' first career home run and proved to be the only run of the ballgame.

The loss came in a game dominated by strong pitching on both sides, as the two clubs combined for just one run on 13 hits.

Tolbert capped his career night by tossing 5.1 innings, scattering four hits while striking out four and not issuing a walk. He received a no-decision.

The BeerMongers bullpen continued to keep the game within reach after Tolbert's departure. Nicholas Judice worked 1.2 scoreless innings, striking out one and allowing just one baserunner, before Wuilliams Rodriguez took over in the eighth.

Rodriguez allowed the home run to Dessens on the first batter he faced but settled in from there, striking out four over the final six outs he recorded.

Salem's offense had several opportunities but could not deliver the tying run.

Franklin Primera led the BeerMongers with two hits, while Martin Shelar, Kleyver Salazar, Louis Andujar and Starlyn Nunez each added a hit. Salem finished the night with six hits but went 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position.

The BeerMongers put the tying run on base in the bottom of the ninth when Salazar was hit by a pitch. However, Howlers closer Harrison Ruiz settled in and struck out the final three batters to earn his second save of the season.

The RidgeYaks and Howlers will meet again Friday night at Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark. Right-hander Cameron Padgett will make his first career start for the Yaks.

Game Notes

• Salem was shut out for just the eighth time this season and the first time since July 29 at Kannapolis
• Cole Tolbert went five complete innings for the first time in his professional career and finished the night with 5.1 innings pitched
• Franklin Primera went 2-for-4 en route to his 14th multi-hit game of the season
• The Yaks fall to 13-27 in one-run games and have played eight of their last 10 games by a margin of one or two runs
• Salem is 2-8 over its last 10 games, with all 10 contests being decided by a combined 20 runs
• All three games this week have been decided by a combined three runs
• Starlyn Nunez went 1-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to six games and his on-base streak to 12 games, dating back to August 18
• Franklin Primera reached base for the 16th consecutive game, dating back to August 1.
• Kleyver Salazar also threw out two runners on the bases
• Wuilliams Rodriguez has surrendered home runs in back-to-back outings after going 11 straight outings without allowing one across July and August
• The Yaks fall to 32-29 at home and are guaranteed to finish at least .500 at Carilion Clinic Field this season
• With one more win this week, Salem will become the first Salem team since 2022 to finish the year above .500 at home
• Salem still holds its lead in the Battle for 460 season series, 5-4

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