The Winston-Salem Dash (16-10) dug themselves an early hole and nearly climbed all the way out, but ultimately fell 9-7 to the Greensboro Grasshoppers (15-11) at Truist Stadium.
Greensboro wasted no time taking control in the first inning.
The Grasshoppers erupted for seven runs in the opening frame, highlighted by a grand slam from Jhonny Severino. A mix of hits, walks, and defensive miscues allowed Greensboro to seize a 7-0 lead before the Dash could settle in.
Winston-Salem responded with a run in the bottom half and chipped away again in the fifth on a solo home run from Anthony DePino, but still trailed 8-2 entering the seventh.
That’s when the game flipped.
The Dash erupted for five runs in the seventh inning to pull within one. A bases-loaded hit-by-pitch and walk started the rally before RBI hits from Boston Smith and Grant Magill brought Winston-Salem all the way back to 8-7.
With momentum fully shifted, the Dash had life.
But Greensboro answered immediately.
The Grasshoppers plated an insurance run in the eighth on an RBI double, extending the lead to 9-7 and halting Winston-Salem’s comeback push.
The Dash were unable to capitalize late, as Greensboro ended the game on a double play.
Despite the loss, Winston-Salem showed resilience after the early deficit, but the first-inning damage proved too much to overcome.
Winston-Salem will look to rebound as the series draws to a close on Sunday, May 3rd.