Pilkington strikes out 12 in Sunday's walk-off loss

KINSTON, N.C. (May 19, 2019) - Dash starter Konnor Pilkington struck out 12 Wood Ducks hitters across six scoreless innings, but Down East claimed a 1-0 victory with a walk-off single by Sam Huff on Sunday afternoon at Grainger Stadium.
In just his second start at the High-A level, Pilkington notched a career-high by setting down 12 Down East (30-14) hitters on strikes. Over six innings of work, the former third-round pick allowed just three hits and walked two. It was a first 12-strikeout performance for a Dash pitcher since Dylan Cease struck out 12 against Lynchburg on May 1, 2018, at BB&T Ballpark.

However, the Wood Ducks went on to break the scoreless tie in the bottom of the ninth. To set up the walk-off hit, Leody Taveras led off the frame by drawing a walk against Kevin Escorcia (1-2). Anderson Tejeda then singled through the right side to put runners at first and third with nobody out before Ryan Dorow was hit by a pitch to load the bases. With Diosbel Arias at the plate, Escorcia threw a wild pitch, but Dash catcher Evan Skoug threw to Escorcia in time to tag out Taveras at the plate.
The Dash chose to intentionally walk Arias, bringing Huff to the plate. Huff then hit a flare into right field allowing Tejeda to score and give the Wood Ducks the 1-0 win.
Joe Barlow (4-0) earned the win in relief for the Wood Ducks by tossing two scoreless innings.
Winston-Salem (21-21) threatened in the top of the first against Down East starter Sal Mendez. With one out, Nick Madrigal reached on an infield single. Steele Walker then singled into right field to put runners at first and third. A Zach Remillard walk then loaded the bases, but Wood Ducks starter Sal Mendez forced popouts from Craig Dedelow and Jordan George to end the threat.
The Dash begin a four-game series with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on Monday night at BB&T Ballpark. Left-hander Cristian Castillo (1-5, 4.17 ERA) is set to take the hill for Winston-Salem, while Fayetteville will send right-hander Shawn Dubin (0-2, 9.00 ERA) to the bump. First pitch is set for 7 p.m., and fans can catch all of the action on wsdash.com/broadcast, MiLB.tv and the TuneIn Radio App.
Promotions during the Dash's four-game set with Fayetteville include a Free Food Monday, with free hot dogs and fries available until 8:30 p.m., and corndogs while supplies last. Tuesday's game will be a Taco Tuesday, with $2 tacos available at the concession stand behind home plate. The series finale will be a Lowes Foods Thirsty Thursday and a Pups in the Park Night presented by Handy and Handy Orthodontics. For tickets and more information, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.