Winston-Salem Outhits Aberdeen, but Dash Lose 7-2

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (June 28, 2022) — The Winston-Salem Dash outhit the Aberdeen Ironbirds, but dropped the series opener 7-2.

After Winston-Salem was dispatched in order to start the game, Aberdeen got out to a hot start.

Collin Burns was hit by a pitch to open the bottom of the first, then Darrell Hernaiz lined a double to push Burns to third base. John Rhodes was up next, and he drew a walk to load the bases. Cleanup man TT Bowens then singled into right field, with everyone advancing just one bag and Burns scoring the first run of the night. The inning continued with a Ramon Rodriguez infield single that actually ricocheted off of Dash starter Garrett Schoenle, but everyone moved up 90 feet again, with Hernaiz scoring. A bases-loaded walk forced Rodriguez across, and prompted Winston-Salem to pull Schoenle in favor of Cooper Bradford, down 3-0 already. One more run scored on a groundout by Isaac Bellony, but Bradford limited the deficit to only 4-0 Aberdeen.

The Dash were able to piece some offense together in the top of the fourth inning.

Colson Montgomery grabbed a leadoff single to extend his on-base streak to 35 games. Right after that, Oscar Colas singled as well, and Montgomery advanced to third base. Luis Mieses then pushed Montgomery across with a fielder’s choice groundball, to make it a 4-1 deficit.

However, the Ironbirds extended their lead in the home half of the fourth.

Erison Placencia singled with one out, before Collin Burns doubled behind him to put two men in scoring position. After a pop out, John Rhodes tripled to score both Placencia and Burns to give Aberdeen a 6-1 edge.

Winston-Salem was able to manufacture a run in the top of the fifth. First, Jason Matthews dropped down a perfect bunt down the third base line to pick up a one-out single. Duke Ellis lined a single of his own into right field, although Matthews was held at second. With two outs now, Colas came through once again and sprayed a single the other way into left field. Jason Matthews crossed the plate, cutting the deficit to 6-2.

Aberdeen pitching held Winston-Salem scoreless the rest of the way, while an RBI triple by Darell Hernaiz pushed the final score to 7-2 Ironbirds. Dan Hammer got the win, with Schoenle earning the loss.