Banks, Sheets lead Dash to win in twin bill opener

Sheets smacks his second homer in as many days; Banks tosses a complete game

Banks logged his second straight over the Astros on Wednesday. (Steven Harrison/Chicago White Sox)

May 23, 2018

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (May 23, 2018) - Gavin Sheets was a double shy of the cycle in the Dash's twin bill opener against Buies Creek, and Tanner Banks logged his fifth career complete game as Winston-Salem defeated the Astros 3-1 in game one on Wednesday at BB&T Ballpark.For the first time this series, the

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (May 23, 2018) - Gavin Sheets was a double shy of the cycle in the Dash's twin bill opener against Buies Creek, and Tanner Banks logged his fifth career complete game as Winston-Salem defeated the Astros 3-1 in game one on Wednesday at BB&T Ballpark.
For the first time this series, the Dash (24-21) took the early lead against the Astros (25-20). Mitch Roman started off the first inning with a double to left-center against Astros starter Carson LaRue (2-2), who was making his first career outing against Winston-Salem. Three batters later, Sheets stroked a run-scoring single to left-center to give the Dash a 1-0 advantage.

Banks (2-2) began his fifth outing of the season with three scoreless innings before giving up a run in the fourth. Abraham Toro led off the frame with a single, and J.J. Matijevic followed with a double down the left-field line to put runners on second and third with nobody out. The next batter, Chas McCormick, lofted a sacrifice fly down the right-field line to knot the ballgame at one. However, that would be all the offense for Buies Creek, as Banks allowed just four hits while striking out four in his seven innings of work.
Winston-Salem regained the edge in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Sheets logged his second career triple on a 376-foot line drive that hit the top of the wall in right. Five pitches later, Micker Adolfo bounced an RBI single over the head of the second baseman Alfredo Angarita to put the Dash back ahead for good.
In the sixth, Sheets capped the scoring with his second home run as many days, a solo shot to right-center to make it a 3-1 game. The former Wake Forest star has now hit six homers in his professional career.
Winston-Salem will wrap up its doubleheader on Wednesday at BB&T Ballpark, with first pitch for game two set for around 1:40 p.m. Right-hander Danny Dopico will get the ball in the twin bill finale against right-hander Gabriel Valdez (0-2, 7.20 ERA). Fans can catch all of the action on wsdash.com/broadcast, MiLB.tv and the TuneIn Radio App.