WINSTON-SALEM, NC (June 2, 2012) - The Dash shut down Carolina 3-0 Saturday night before 6,963 fans, the largest crowd of the season and 12th highest in BB&T Ballpark history.
Winston-Salem (33-21) starter Jake Petricka (4-4) delivered a gem, scattering three hits and striking out six batters in seven scoreless innings to record his fourth win of the year. It was Petricka's longest outing of the season and the first time he did not allow a run in a start this year.
Nick McCully entered in the eighth and threw two perfect innings to lock down his third save of the season. He preserved the Dash's sixth shutout victory of the season.
Winston-Salem swung the bat well in the third inning. Carlos Sanchez led off with a single to record his team-high 64th base hit of the season. He has also hit safely in 11 straight games. Brady Shoemaker followed with a two-run opposite field blast, his 10th home run of the season. Dan Black then doubled and came home on a sacrifice fly from Michael Earley for a 3-0 lead.
Carolina (25-29) did not get a runner to second base until the seventh inning when Carlos Moncrief doubled with two outs. Petricka promptly struck out the next batter to strand the runner and avoid any damage.
Earley went 2-for-3 to push his hit streak to 10 games. Seven different Winston-Salem hitters have posted a double-digit hit streak this season. Marcus Semien saw his 18-game streak, which is the second-longest streak in the Carolina League this season, come to an end in his first game since May 12. He was activated off the disabled list Saturday afternoon after missing 19 games with a right shoulder injury.
The Dash go for the series sweep Sunday afternoon when they send right-hander Matt Heidenreich (4-1, 4.02 ERA) to the mound. Right-hander Danny Salazar (0-2, 3.45 ERA) gets the ball for Carolina. First pitch is set for 2:00.
Winston-Salem hosts the 2012 California-Carolina League All-Star Game Tuesday, June 19. For tickets and more information call (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
WS Dash/WFMY News 2 Sports