Results tagged ‘ big leagues ’
Most interesting hitting coach in the world
Dash hitting coach Rob Sasser is back in Winston-Salem as the Dash’s hitting coach. He spent four seasons with the franchise from 2008-11 before being assigned to Low-A Kannapolis last season.
Sasser’s baseball career has been fascinating. He made it to the big leagues for one game in 1998, a story that is chronicled here. He also became a hitting coach during the same season that he retired from playing the game he loved.
Our own Erika Metzger talks to Sasser about those two unique stories and the 2013 version of the Dash below:
Sasser and the Dash are back at it in Lynchburg tonight at 6:05. Join us for the Pregame Dash at 5:50 here.
- Brian
Playoff Perspective – Game 1
Steve McCray kept the Dash in Saturday’s game, but he and Winston-Salem ultimately lost (Jody Stewart/W-S Dash).
One night after an incredible SDCS finale, the Dash stumbled in Game 1 of the Mills Cup Championship Series. Lynchburg led the entire way in a 3-1 win over the Dash Saturday at BB&T Ballpark. Here are a few thoughts before the quick turnaround for Game 2 Sunday at 2 p.m.
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE:
- Big league rehab assignments are always touchy subjects during the playoffs, but I have absolutely no problem with them. If Paul Konerko needed to work back from an injury, and the Dash were the only minor league affiliate playing, you better believe he would be in Winston-Salem. Sure, Andrelton Simmons was a big part of Lynchburg’s win tonight, but he is here to prepare for a return to the big leagues.
- For the first time this season, Michael Lee did not allow a run in a start with the Hillcats. His off-speed stuff befuddled the Dash over six and a third innings. Lee was the difference in the game.
- Even though Dash starter Steve McCray did not post his best start of the season, he kept Winston-Salem in the game. The former Tennessee Volunteer stranded seven runners and only allowed two runs in five innings, with one being Simmons’ leadoff homer. It could have been much worse for McCray, but the righty battled to keep his club in the contest.
- The Dash struggled offensively for seven innings, but this offense has a special aura to it. When Michael Earley, Mike Blanke and Courtney Hawkins strung together three straight hits, it felt like the Dash were going to battle back. Obviously, it didn’t happen, but this is an offense that can strike in a hurry, and I’m guessing it will before this series concludes.
- Speaking of Hawkins, the 18-year-old has driven in a run in all four playoff games, which is incredible considering the Dash only scored one run in both series openers. This youngster is the real deal.
- Tomorrow is the 77th and final minor league baseball game at BB&T Ballpark in 2012. This facility has hosted 50 Dash victories, three walk-off wins, an incredible All-Star game and much more. It will be bittersweet to wrap up the home slate, but it is fitting that the Dash are playing in a meaningful game after an incredibly great 2012 campaign here in the Triad.
Keep the faith. The Dash go for a series-tying win tomorrow. Already can’t wait.
- Brian
