Zach Dodson Rebounds to Stymy Wingnuts in Goldeyes 8-2 Victory
Zach Dodson had a tough start to the 2017 American Association season as he gave up 5-runs in 6-innings against the Salina Stockade. Five days later he took to the hill again, stymying the Wichita Wingnuts by allowing 2-runs and striking out 10 in the 8-2 victory. The Winnipeg Goldeyes rapped out 13-hits, led by Wes Darvill who had 3-hits including his first home run of the season.
Dodson and Tyler Kane kept this a scoreless tie through the first two-innings, but in the third the Goldeyes took the lead. Darvill started the frame with a single and moved to second when Andrew Sohn beat out a ground ball for a single. Casio Grider laid down a bunt to move both runners into scoring position and David Rohm followed by tapping one out in front of the plate. Martin Medina pounced on the ball but his throw was wild and both runners came into score. Rohm sped for third and scored when Josh Romanski lined a single to right to make it 3-0.
In the fourth, Winnipeg extended their lead. Mason Katz got the frame going by doubling to left field and moved to third on a single by Darvill. Sohn grounded to second to score Katz and it was 4-0.
In the bottom half of the inning, the Wingnuts got two of those runs back. Christian Stringer started the rally with an infield single and moved to second on a base hit by Brent Clevlen. Both runners moved up on the double steal and came home on a sharp single to center by Richard Prigatano. That made it 4-2. The Wingnuts would get no closer.
In the top of the fifth, the Winnipeg Goldeys scored four more runs to put this game out of reach. Kane retired the first two batters of the inning, but Reggie Abercrombie singled and Shawn Pleffner followed with a single of his own. Katz then lined a ball to the wall in right that he legged out for a triple. Both runners scored on the play. That would be it for Kane. Jesse Pratt relieved, and was greeted by a towering home run by Darvill to make it 8-2.
Zach Dodson (1-0) went 7.1-innings, allowing 8-hits, a walk, and 2-runs. He fanned 10, including striking out two in the second, fourth, and fifth innings.
Wes Darvill finished 3-4 with 2-runs, a home run, and 2-RBI. He raised his average to .410. Mason Katz was 2-4 with 2-runs and 2-RBI. the Wichita Wingnuts were led by Richard Prigatano, who was 2-4 with 2-RBI.
The Wichita Wingnuts are off tomorrow. They will welcome Salina to town for a four-game set starting Monday.
By Robert Pannier
