Sox off to Frederick for 4-game series

The Sox were 7-5 through Monday’s results and riding a four-game winning streak. On Monday they pounded the Wilmington Blue Rocks, 11-2, at Haley Toyota Field in Salem.

The Sox kept on crushing at the plate, as they’ve averaged 9.5 runs per game over their winning streak. A nine-run second inning tied the record for the most runs scored by the Sox in an inning ever at Haley Toyota Field, matching the nine scored April 8, 1999 against Wilmington in the fifth inning.

Salem opened the scoring in the bottom of the second against Blue Rocks starter Foster Griffin (L, 1-1). Austin Rei led off the frame with a double up the left field line, and Mike Meyers drew a walk to put runners at first and second. Jose Sermo looped a double up the right field line, plating Rei and moving Meyers to third base.

Chad De La Guerra followed with a ground-ball single to left, scoring Meyers and advancing Sermo to third base. De La Guerra moved to second on a wild pitch, and Tate Matheny singled to center. Sermo scored on the hit, and De La Guerra advanced to third base. Matheny swiped second as Bryan Hudson struck out, and the throw down from Chase Vallot was errant, which allowed De La Guerra to score. Matheny then pilfered third base before Josh Tobias hammered a two-run homer over the left field wall, making it a 6-0 lead for the Sox.

Josh Ockimey doubled and Michael Chavis drew a walk, turning the lineup over and chasing Griffin from the game. New reliever Colin Rodgers issued a walk to Rei, loading the bases. Meyers fanned, but Sermo singled home two runs and De La Guerra singled home another, with Matheny singling to load the bases before Hudson lined out to Nicky Lopez at shortstop to end the inning. When it was all said and done, the Sox had plated nine runs on nine hits in the inning, and led 9-0.

Matthew Kent got the win, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 6.1 innings and striking out a season-best six. Mitchell Osnowitz allowed two walks but struck out three in 1.2 scoreless frames. Trevor Kelley pitched a scoreless ninth inning, with one hit against two strikeouts.

Salem had Tuesday and Wednesday home games with Wilmington before heading to Frederick. The Sox are off Monday, but return to action next Tuesday to begin a six game homestand against Lynchburg and Potomac.