Sox and Keys split Saturday series

SALEM, Virginia (April 14, 2019) - In their second double header of the young season, the Salem Red Sox split Saturday with the Frederick Keys, falling 8-2 in game one and bouncing back 8-7 in a rollercoaster game two win.

Game One
How it Happened
* Salem broke open the shortened contest in the third inning, Jarren Duran coming home after Garret Benge was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for a 1-0 lead.
* The Keys followed suit and snatched the lead in the top of the 4th, driving in two runs on three base hits to advance 2-1.
* Ryan Fitzgerald tied the game in the bottom of the frame, scoring Jonathan Ortega with a sacrifice fly.
* Frederick loaded the bases in the 5th inning and an RBI single from JC Escarra regained a 3-2 lead. Another run crossed in the 6th by a Stuart Levy RBI double and 4-2 advantage.
* The Keys ended the contest with a 4-run 7th for an 8-2 final.

Standout Sox
* Ryan Fitzgerald: 1-for-3, RBI
* Garrett Benge: 0-for-3, RBI

Noteworthy
* Jarren Duran's single in the fourth extended his hit streak to 8 games.
* Ryan Fitzgerald's single in the third extended his hit streak to 5 games.

Game Two
How it Happened
* Frederick came out hot with a leadoff double by Mason McCoy. RBI singles from Willy Yahn and Trevor Craport put the Keys on top 2-0. Ryan Ripken lead off the 2nd with another double, scoring on a Yeltsin Gudino RBI single and a 3-0 lead.
* Salem found their groove in the third when Ryan Fitzgerald drilled a double to score Deiner Lopez and cut Frederick's lead 3-1. Garrett Benge carried the heat into the 4th with a leadoff single. RBI doubles by Jerry Downs and Charlie Madden brought the teams even before Lopez ripped a triple, scoring Madden and taking a 4-3 lead.
* Zach Jarrett doubled in the fifth, knotting the Sox and Keys 4-4.
* Jagger Rusconi drew a bases-loaded walk to re-gain the lead and Charlie Madden pushed an insurance run on a sacrifice fly to go ahead 6-4 after five innings.
* The seesaw affair continued with a 3-run 6th by the Keys to re-claim a 7-6 advantage.
* Salem led off the 6th inning with a Victor Acosta double, coming around to score on a wild pitch and even the contest until Jagger Rusconi delivered an RBI single and 8-7 lead.
* The Keys made one last push in the 7th, loading the bases and left standing when centerfielder Jarren Duran came up with a SportsCenter-catch out at the track to lock down the win.

Standout Sox
* Charlie Madden: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, R, 2B
* Garrett Benge: 2-for-3, R, 2B
* Deiner Lopez: 1-for-2, RBI, R, 3B
* Jerry Downs: 1-for-4, RBI, R
* Jagger Rusconi: 1-for-3, 2 RBI

Noteworthy
* Ryan Fitzgerald's double in the third extended his hit streak to 6 games.
* Salem knocked six extra-base hits in 6 offensive innings.

What's Next
Salem Red Sox vs Frederick Keys, Sunday, April 14, 2019. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 EST
RHP Daniel Gonzalez vs. RHP Cody Sedlock
Listen: SalemSox.com, TuneIn Radio, ESPN Blacksburg WKEX 1430 AM/94.1 FM, ESPN Roanoke WGMN 1240 AM/93.3 FM
Watch: MiLB TV
The Salem Red Sox are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and call Haley Toyota Field in Salem, Virginia home. The team was founded in 1968 and purchased by Fenway Sports Management in December of 2007. For more information on the Salem Red Sox, please visit SalemRedSox.com or contact Melanie Newman at [email protected]