Woodpecker's big inning takes down Sox

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (42-53, 11-19) used a big, five-run seventh inning to jump back in the win column and take the series opener over the Salem Red Sox (49-47, 14-16) in an 8-4 final score.

Marcelo Mayer smoked his ninth home run of the season, his first since July 12, while Blaze Jordan had a multi-hit night including a first inning RBI single to grow his total to team-high 52.

But the situational hitting never showed up for the Red Sox, who were 1-of-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine runners on base.

With his increased appearances in the lineup, Kier Meredith recorded a two-hit night as well, which included his first triple of the year back in the fourth inning.

Daniel McElveny, the sixth round selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, made his Salem debut with an 0-2 night at the plate, but did come away with his first run batted in with a sacrifice fly-out towards center.

Even the starting pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez looked sturdy on the mound with another seven strikeout performance in five innings of work; but the relief staff behind him didn’t have the similar success on the rubber.

Felix Cepeda (L, 2-2) only lasted one inning where five earned runs off four hits and two walks while Osvaldo De La Rosa could only complete 1.1 of innings pitched before manager Luke Montz put an end to his night.

Logan Cerny, who connected for his team-best 15th home run of the season, solidified the Woodpeckers' come from behind efforts after the two teams were see-sawing between one another in the first half of the contest.

The 8-9-1 part of the Fayetteville order powered the offense throughout the evening as Leosdany Molina, Yeuris Ramirez and Cody Orr each had three-hit nights and combined for five of the eight Woodpeckers runs.

Despite his shaky moments, Deylen Miley (W, 3-6) recorded his first winning decision since April 28 by allowing only three hits in the four innings that he pitched.

The Salem Red Sox and Fayetteville Woodpeckers will meet for the second game of the six-game series on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. at Salem Memorial Ballpark:

First Pitch: 7:07 p.m.

Time of Game: 3:00

Attendance: 1,557

Venue: Carilion Clinic Field