WILSON, N.C. - The Wilson Warbirds were unable to keep up with the Salem RidgeYaks on Thursday night, surrendering a six-run third inning and falling 12-6 at Wilson Ballpark.
Wilson (28-26) struck early against Salem on Jose Anderson’s league-leading 11th home run of the season, a two-run shot that scored Brady Ebel and afforded the Warbirds a 2-0 lead.
Salem (24-30) plated Stanley Tucker in the second inning on a Starlyn Nunez groundout to cut the lead in half at 2-1.
Wilson tripled the lead in the second inning on a two-run single from Luis Lameda to extend the lead to 4-1.
From there, Salem had one of the biggest innings of the year against Wilson, scoring six runs to take a commanding 7-4 lead. The frame was highlighted by a grand slam from Nunez, which put the RidgeYaks ahead for good.
Salem added to the lead in the sixth with a two-run triple from Tucker and a sacrifice fly from Ilan Fernandez to push the lead to 11-4.
Wilson scored a couple more runs late, but it was all for naught as the Warbirds' three-game winning streak was snapped with a 12-6 loss.
Jarrette Bonet (L, 1-4) suffered the loss after allowing the big third inning. The winning pitcher for Salem was Joey Gartrell (W, 2-0), who pitched 2.1 innings in relief, striking out five while allowing just two runs.
Salem and Wilson are back in action Friday night at 7:05 p.m. The Warbirds’ ERA leader Tyler Renz (2-2, 3.59) will start on the mound against Brady Tygart (0-0, 0.00), who will make his first start for Salem. Friday’s game at Wilson Ballpark features a Wilt the Warbird Bobblehead giveaway as well as a postgame fireworks show. Tickets for the contest are available at WilsonWarbirds.com or by calling (919) 269-2287.