Dane Ferguson

The 18-2 POUNDING Salem put on the Carolina Mudcats was the largest margin of victory to ever occur inside the gates of Salem Memorial Ballpark.

(Let it be known, every time I write a potential headline and get a jump on my soon-to-be story, the opposite of what I’ve written ALWAYS happens.)

With rain plaguing our Monday in the Roanoke Valley, there was over an hour’s worth of a rain-delay for the Red Sox game and though the game went through the 11 o’clock hour, Salem prevailed victorious; 11-8.

Salem started the game with their newest member on the mound, Pat Light. After being called up from Greenville less than 48 hours before starting, Light drove through the Carolinas into Salem to get a taste of the Carolina League.

After grabbing four wins in seven games on their latest weeklong road trip, the Salem Sox returned home to face off with their cross-town rival, the Lynchburg Hillcats.

Despite their hot start (which has been the key to victory), the Sox suffered their first series sweep of the 2014 season.

Coming through with a huge game on his birthday was the center fielder, Matty Johnson. It doesn’t get much sweeter than being a game-winning hero on your special day.

You sort of had to wonder when the Sox would suffer their first loss of the season and though they were chasing an historic Carolina League consecutive win record on Wednesday night; they fell just short to the Winston-Salem Dash, 4-2.

Once a Wahoo, now a key component in the Red Sox organization; Reed Gragnani not only brings elite collegiate experience to the diamond but he brings an unmatched work ethic evolved from constant competition and education.

Freshly cut grass, perfectly groomed dirt and the fumes of a full grill justified the sense of Opening Day for the Roanoke Valley.