P-Nats Claim Walk-Off Win in Twin Bill Opener

By Staff
Thanks to three runs in the bottom of the seventh, the Potomac Nationals earned their eighth walk-off win of the season, 7-6 over the Dash in the lid-lifter of a Saturday doubleheader at Pfitzner Stadium.

The Dash (29-38) took a 5-2 lead with four runs in the top of the sixth inning. Winston-Salem loaded the bases because of an error and consecutive bunt singles. Jason Coats followed with a sharp two-run single down the right field line, and Grant Buckner’s RBI fielder’s choice and Keon Barnum’s RBI triple capped the big offensive inning.

Potomac (37-30) bounced back with two in the bottom of the sixth, but the Dash threw out the tying run at the plate following a fourth ball that went to the screen. Big league rehabber Jeff Kobernus tried to score from second, but Martin Medina threw him out to preserve the lead.

In the top of the seventh, Jacob May collected his third hit of the game, a two-out triple to dead center, and scored on a wild pitch.

Still, the P-Nats scored three in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run single by Pedro Severino and a game-winning single from Kobernus against Braulio Ortiz (0-6). All three Dash relievers gave up at least two runs in the tough loss.

In his first start since April 28, Brad Goldberg scattered four hits in four shutout inning. He struck out three and did not walk a batter.

The Dash struck first in the opening frame. May doubled down the left field line, and Courtney Hawkins brought him home on a groundout for his 45th RBI of the season. Hawkins is second in the Carolina League in RBIs.

Winston-Salem and Potomac continue this five-game series with the back end of Saturday’s doubleheader. First pitch is set for approximately 8:30 p.m. The Dash send Frank Montas (3-0, 1.23 ERA) to the bump to square off with fellow right-hander Ronald Pena (3-2, 5.44 ERA). All of the play-by-play action is available at wsdash.com/broadcast.

Following the All-Star Break, the Dash return to BB&T Ballpark for a three-game set against the Salem Red Sox from June 19-21. For tickets, call (336) 714-2287 or visit HERE.