Randal Diaz hit a walk-off single to left-center field in the bottom of the 11th inning, lifting the Frederick Keys to a 3-2 victory over the Asheville Tourists on Aug. 26 at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, Maryland. The win gave the Keys a 2-0 lead in the six-game series.
Jake Dykhoff pitched six scoreless innings in relief for Frederick and struck out the side in the top of the 11th inning. His strong outing kept the game tied at 2 before Diaz delivered the winning hit.
Frederick Keys Build Early Lead
After a scoreless first inning, Evan Yates recorded his second strikeout during a scoreless second inning. Frederick moved ahead in the bottom of the third when Enddy Azocar hit a two-RBI double, giving the Keys a 2-0 advantage.
Asheville cut the deficit to 2-1 with a solo home run in the fourth inning. The Tourists tied the game with another solo home run in the eighth, sending the teams into the ninth inning even at 2.
Diaz Wins Game in the 11th
The Frederick Keys loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth inning but did not score. Dykhoff then recorded scoreless innings in the 10th and 11th, including a strikeout of the side in the top of the 11th.
Diaz followed with a walk-off single to left-center field in the bottom half of the inning. The hit secured Frederick’s 3-2 victory and its second win in the series against Asheville.
Frederick Keys Set for Thursday Game
The Frederick Keys and Asheville Tourists are scheduled to play again Thursday night at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.
Thursday’s game will include Sensory Friendly Night, featuring softer sounds, no flashing lights and sensory spaces for fans. The event also will include Taphouse Thursday, with local craft breweries offering beer specials in the 4 1/2 Innings Taphouse.
MSB Analysis
Diaz supplied the decisive hit after Azocar provided Frederick’s early offense, while Dykhoff’s six scoreless relief innings kept the game tied for the late-inning opportunity. The victory moved the Frederick Keys to a 2-0 series lead over the Asheville Tourists.
Source: Original report
