The Salem Red Sox put themselves in position to beat rehabbing Washington Nationals All-Star Stephen Strasburg Monday night, but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to the Potomac Nationals at Pfitzner Stadium.
The Sox had two one-run leads that evaporated as Potomac rallied against the Sox twice and picked up their third win of the season against Salem. Strasburg went five innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out five and was not involved in the decision.
Salem opened the scoring against Strasburg in the top of the third inning, as Nick Lovullo earned a leadoff walk and moved to second when Chris Madera grounded out back to the mound. Jeremy Rivera lined a single softly to left, advancing Lovullo to third, and with two outs, Rivera and Lovullo successfully pulled off a thrilling double steal, with Lovullo sliding home safely to put the Sox in front 1-0.
Potomac drew even in the bottom of the fifth against Salem starter Roniel Raudes, getting Strasburg off the hook. Rhett Wiseman earned a leadoff walk from the righty. Edwin Lora capitalized, lining a double to right to score Wiseman and tie the game at 1-1.
Salem edged back in front in the top of the eighth against reliever Sterling Sharp (W, 2-1), who walked Madera to start the frame. Rivera bunted Madera to second with a sacrifice, and Conrad Gregor earned a walk to put runners at first and second. Jose Sermo singled to center, plating Madera and putting the Sox back ahead 2-1.
The Nats retook the lead in the bottom of the eighth against Sox reliever Pat Goetze, scoring two runs. Sharp set down Salem in order in the ninth to end the game.
Raudes was superb, allowing one run on five hits and a walk while fanning six in a career-best seven innings pitched. Goetze took the loss, surrendering two runs on four hits in one inning of action.
The loss cut Salem’s lead over Frederick in the playoff race to just one game as of Monday’s results. The Sox continued on the road this week with games in Potomac through Thursday, then three in Lynchburg this week.
The Red Sox return to Salem for the final homestand of the regular season beginning Tuesday, August 22, with Potomac and Wilmington coming to town for three games each.