Although the 2010 season began with a Thursday monsoon, the Salem Red Sox weathered the storm en route to taking three out of four from the Potomac Nationals at Pfitzner Stadium.
Salem took the first game 6-4 thanks to Oscar Tejeda’s two-run, two-out double in the top of the ninth inning. In the Friday nightcap, both squads scored an early run, but then the offenses went silent. A contest that was scheduled for seven innings motored into extra frames tied 1-1, and nobody scored again until Potomac finally plated the game-winning run in the bottom of the 14th.
The Red Sox exacted their revenge on Saturday, taking an early lead they would not relinquish in an 8-3 victory. A four-run third inning, highlighted by Tim Federowicz’ two-run homer, broke a scoreless game, and starting pitcher Fabian Williamson surrendered just one run in five stellar innings. Leftfielder Drew Hedman led the Sox with three hits, including two doubles, and Federowicz, Ryan Dent, and Will Vazquez each drove in two runs apiece.
Salem’s offense had powered up in game three of the series, but it saved its biggest punch for the finale. The Sox pounded 16 hits, including three home runs, as they came out on top of a 10-7 see-saw Sunday matinee. The 3-4-5 trifecta of the batting order combined to go 11-14, led by Anthony Rizzo’s four hits and two solo homers. Dent also went yard, a three-run blast in the first inning for Salem. Outfielder David Mailman, who had struggled offensively before Sunday, belted a bases-loaded triple in the sixth inning, transforming a 7-5 deficit into an 8-7 lead. An inning later, Mailman delivered a defensive gem, taking an extra-base hit and multiple runs away from the Nationals with a remarkable running basket catch that forced the Nats to strand the bases loaded.
The Salem Red Sox return to Lewis-Gale Field for the 2010 home opener on Friday, April 16th at 7:05pm with 94.9 Star Country. Opening night will feature live pregame music, a Salem Red Sox magnet schedule giveaway presented by SpeeDee Oil Change, balloon animals and face painting by Ziggy the Clown, and post game fireworks.
The second game of the season will mark the first annual “Night of Elegance: Tuxedo Jersey Night” at the ballpark with K92. The first 1,000 fans will receive Salem Red Sox tuxedo t shirts courtesy of Fast Signs and the Salem Red Sox players will be wearing tuxedo jerseys throughout the game.
Wrapping up Opening Weekend 2010 is the Salem Red Sox first.
