· By Whitney Hunt
Dirty Birds Drop Series to High Point
The High Point Rockers bounced back with a 6-2 win over the Charleston Dirty Birds, led by a gem outing from starter Matt Solter and solid hitting from the middle of the order
Key Performances
- High Point Highlights:
- Max Viera (3B): 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBIs, SF (.313 AVG).
- Drew Mendoza (1B): 2-for-3, 2 BB, raising his average to .290.
- Cody Wilson (CF): 2-for-4, RBI, contributing to a balanced offensive attack.
- Charleston Highlights:
- James Nelson (LF): Reached base four times, 1-for-1 with a double, 2 SB, and 4 BB (.296 AVG).
- Chad Sedio (1B): 1-for-2, double, RBI, HBP (.385 AVG).
Pitching Breakdown
- High Point:
- Matt Solter (W, 4-1): Commanded the game with six shutout innings, allowing just four hits and striking out eight (3.79 ERA).
- Zach Vennaro & Stevie Branche: Combined for two scoreless innings to close the game.
- Charleston:
- Jonh Henriquez (L, 2-1): Struggled with command, issuing six walks over 4.2 innings while allowing three earned runs (3.46 ERA).
- Lance Lusk: Gave up a two-run homer to Viera in the seventh, contributing to High Point's victory.
Key Moments
-
High Point Strikes Early:
Viera's RBI single in the second inning set the tone, followed by another run scored on a groundout to give the Rockers a 2-0 lead. -
Charleston's Missed Opportunities:
Despite eight walks, the Dirty Birds struggled to capitalize, leaving 10 runners on base. -
Viera's Seventh-Inning Blast:
With a two-run shot off Lusk, Viera extended the Rockers' lead to 5-0, putting the game out of reach. -
Charleston's Late Push Falls Short:
A two-run rally in the seventh, capped by Sedio's RBI double, proved insufficient as High Point's bullpen shut the door.
Game Impact:
High Point's efficient pitching and timely offense showcased their ability to bounce back from adversity. Charleston's inability to capitalize on opportunities highlighted their struggles, as the Rockers evened the series.
High Point's efficient pitching and timely offense showcased their ability to bounce back from adversity. Charleston's inability to capitalize on opportunities highlighted their struggles, as the Rockers evened the series.