Dash drop series opener to Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (May 23, 2023) — The Winston-Salem Dash dropped the series opener to the Brooklyn Cyclones 7-3 Tuesday night on the road. Righty Jared Kelley was charged with the loss for the Dash.

The Cyclones kicked off the scoring in the bottom of the second as Chase Estep laced a double off Kelley to drive in 1 run. Brooklyn would add another trio of runs an inning later courtesy of a 1-run single from Jaylen Palmer and a 2-run double from Omar De Los Santos.

Trailing 4-0 in the top of the fourth, the Dash were able to cut into the lead and break off a quick rally. Wes Kath drove in Loidel Chapelli on a single, and two batters later, Michael Turner knocked in Kath with a single of his own.

The fourth inning would provide two of Winston-Salem’s three runs on the night. The two knocks from Kath and Turner ultimately prove to be two of the Dash’s three hits of the contest.

With Everett Hazelwood on the mound for Winston-Salem in the seventh, Palmer drilled a solo shot to center to increase Brooklyn’s lead to 5-2. Then, in the eighth, Alex Ramirez drove in two runs with a double off Hazelwood.

Down 7-2 in the top of the ninth, the Dash were able to add one run in a last-minute comeback effort. With two outs, Kath was able to score on a fielding error by Brooklyn first basemen Chase Estep, but it was all the Dash could manage. After Taishi Nakawake was retired, Winston-Salem fell 7-3.

Despite the four charged runs, Kelley was able to strike out five batters. Dylan Burns tossed three scoreless innings in relief, and Hazelwood pitched two innings, giving up three hits and a trio of runs.

Blade Tidwell earned the win for Brooklyn, as the 6’4 righty tossed five innings, surrendering two hits, 2 runs and striking out seven. Trey McLoughlin pitched two innings to secure the save for Brooklyn.

All but one Cyclone tallied a hit Tuesday night. Wilfred Veras, Kath and Turner provided the hits for the Dash, and Veras increased his batting average to .329.

Winston-Salem will be back in action Wednesday at Maimonides Park for game two against the Cyclones. First pitch is set for 11 a.m.