Early runs too much for Mudcats

Mudcats

Early runs too much for Mudcats

May 25, 2012

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Zebulon, N.C. — The Winston-Salem Dash led off three consecutive innings with a home run, and held on late for a 7-5 win over the Carolina Mudcats Friday night at Five County Stadium. A crowd of 4,884 saw the Mudcats (22-24) nearly overcome a six-run deficit.

Justin Collop (4-0) delivered a huge outing for the Dash (26-19) after being pressed into emergency relief when starter Jake Petricka was hit in his right elbow by a comebacker. Collop tossed five scoreless frames, striking out seven. He scattered three hits.

The Dash launched home runs to lead off the second, third and fourth against Mudcats’ hurler Francisco Jimenez (4-2). His night was done after five innings, allowing six runs on nine hits.

The Mudcats brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth, but Nick McCully nailed down his first save.

Trailing 6-0, Carlos Moncrief launched a towering home run over the right field wall to get the Mudcats on the board. After surrendering a run on a pair of hits in the eighth, Carolina’s offense roared to life.

Tony Wolters and Giovanny Urshela reached to begin the eighth inning rally. Jesus Aguilar launched his first triple off the high wall in right field to score both runs. One out later Moncrief doubled home Aguilar, and cut the deficit to three.

With Jake Lowery batting, Moncrief stole third. He scored on a ground out by Lowery for the final margin of 7-5.

The Carolina Mudcats continue their series with the Winston-Salem Dash on Saturday, May 26, at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are available through the box office by calling (919) 269-2287 or visiting carolinamudcats.com.