WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Winston-Salem Dash, 15-8, on Sunday, September 13, in Game One of the 2026 South Atlantic League Championship Series. With the win, Winston-Salem took a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-three championship series. The Dash outhit the Grasshoppers, 11-8, while Greensboro committed two mishaps to Winston-Salem’s one.
Leading the way offensively for Greensboro was infielder Dylan Palmer, who went 2-for-5 with two doubles, one RBI, and one run scored. Outfielder Josh Tate followed with a 2-for-4 performance that included one RBI and one run scored. Tony Blanco Jr. recorded two hits, while Axiel Plaz and Yordany De Los Santos each added a hit for the Grasshoppers.
Outfielder Ely Brown led the way for Winston-Salem, going 2-for-2 with a double, two RBI, and two runs scored. Infielder Kaleb Freeman went 2-for-2 with three runs scored. The Dash also recorded hits from Derek Cerda, Javier Mogollon, Kyle Lodise, James Taussig, Jeral Perez, Nick McLain, and Ryan Galvan.
Right-handed pitcher Hung-Leng Chang started on the mound for Greensboro and allowed three hits, five runs (four earned), and two free bases over 1.1 innings. Chang was charged with the loss and fell to 0-1 in the postseason.
Left-handed pitcher Justin Sinibaldi started for Winston-Salem, recording one strikeout while allowing two hits, four earned runs, and two free bases over 2.2 innings. Right-handed pitcher Jake Curtis earned the win for the Dash and improved to 1-0 in the postseason.
The Grasshoppers will continue the SAL Championship Series against the Winston-Salem Dash on Tuesday, September 15, at 6:30 p.m. at First National Bank Field. If necessary, Game Three will be played on Wednesday, September 16.