Complete team effort helps Wood Ducks snap long losing streak

The Down East Wood Ducks (24-45 second half, 59-80) snapped their seven-game losing streak in fine fashion Sunday afternoon at Historic Grainger Stadium, defeating the first-place Winston-Salem Dash, 6-2, in front of 1,485 fans in the penultimate game of the 2018 regular season for both squads.

Eric Jenkins, hitting in the nine-hole, was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored to lead the Wood Ducks’ nine-hit attack. Chuck Leblanc had two hits while Yanio Perez hit his third home run of the season in the seventh inning, a two-run shot.

Tyler Phillips, a 6-5, 200-pound 20-year-old right-handed pitcher from Lumberton, N.J., made his Carolina League debut a special one by only giving up two hits and one earned run in five innings. He struck out three and walked two in the win.

Sal Mendez was equally impressive in relief of Phillips, going four innings while only giving up three hits and one earned run to earn the save. Phillips and Mendez were particularly efficient, only throwing a combined 91 pitches – 63 for strikes – in the game.

Ti’Quan Forbes, a former DEWD, had a solo home run for the Dash (42-25, 83-54) as Winston-Salem only managed five hits.

The Woodies, the defending co-champs of the Carolina League, wrap up their 2018 campaign at noon on Monday against the Dash, who are headed to the postseason. The team is offering $2 hot dogs and special prices for beverages. Also, all fans will be invited to run the bases after the game.