Hoppers Homer in Ninth Inning, Dash Fall 7-6

GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 6, 2021) — The Winston-Salem Dash fell 7-6 in the finale of a six-game set against the Greensboro Grasshoppers.

Davis Martin took the hill for the Dash and struggled mightily in the first inning, allowing three hits and two runs, one of which Martin brought home on an errant pickoff move that skipped past first base. With Greensboro in the lead 2-0, Martin was retired after four innings and allowed seven hits, two runs, and three walks while striking out only two batters.

Cooper Bradford, who was released from the injured list on Sunday morning, came in relief in the fifth. The Greensboro offense welcomed Bradford back to the mound by plating three runs on three hits and a sacrifice fly to put themselves ahead 5-0 at the end of the fifth.

Winston-Salem finally tacked on a run in the seventh inning. Travis Moniot led off with a single, advanced to second on a fielder’s choice, stole third and came home on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Duke Ellis.

Determined to take home a winner, the Dash offense exploded in the ninth inning. Daniel Millwee led off with a single and was driven home on a two-run blast over the right field scoreboard by Travis Moniot. Ian Dawkins kept the ball rolling with a double, and advanced to third on a single from Alex Destino. A walk drawn by Luis Curbelo juiced the bases, and Dawkins touched home on a sacrifice fly to center by Lenyn Sosa. Curbelo came around to score on a single by A.J. Gill, to put up the fifth run in the ninth and push the Dash ahead to a 6-5 lead.

Greensboro would not go home without a fight. Matt Frazier led off the home half of the ninth with a double into left field. After Caleb Freeman retired two batters, Lolo Sanchez played hero as he blasted a two-run, walk-off homer into left field to secure a 7-6 victory for the Grasshoppers.

The Dash extended their losing streak to three and split the series with Greensboro at three games apiece. Caleb Freeman (1-2) was handed his second loss on the season, while Greensboro reliever Oliver Garcia (1-0) nabbed the win.

The Winston-Salem Dash return to Truist Stadium on Tuesday, June 8, where they will begin a six-game homestand against the Greenville Drive, High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

Live coverage of the series can be accessed at https://www.milb.com/winston-salem/team/broadcast-corner.