WATCH: Hillcats outslug Red Sox in Wednesday night matchup
For the second night in a row the Lynchburg Hillcats put up double digit runs in a win over rival Salem. Last night they secured an 11-4 win to open this latest road swing in Salem. Wednesday they followed it up with a 10-2 thrashing of their 460 rivals. Third baseman Milan Tolentino led the way, going 3-or-5 with 3 runs batted in and a run scored. The Hillcats are 19-15 on the season. The Red Sox fall to 17-18.
โHope for the futureโ: Entertainment venues prepare for bigger crowds under new guidelines
ROANOKE, Va. โ Bigger crowds will soon be possible in Virginia thanks to the governorโs announcement Tuesday, loosening some restrictions. โIt feels fantastic to see that weโre starting to open back up,โ said Wendy Delano, director of civic facilities for Salem. Hope is on the horizon for hard-hit entertainment venues across the Commonwealth, allowed to welcome larger crowds starting April 1. The governor is easing restrictions to allow 30% capacity at those venues with no maximum outdoors. โBefore you know it, weโll be back to normal,โ Delano said.
Minor league baseball teams in Southwest Virginia prepare for spring season
ROANOKE, Va. โ After having the 2020 season canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, minor league baseball teams across Southwest Virginia are gearing up for what could be the busiest season yet. The Salem Red Sox are slated to play 60 games this season. The team has to follow directions from the governorโs office and major league baseball which is only allowing 25% capacity right now. The Red Sox host their home opener at the ballpark on May 11 against the Lynchburg Hillcats. Salem Red Sox 2021 Schedule (Copyright 2020 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.)
Salem Red Sox excited to return for the 2021 season
The Salem Red Sox just announced their 2021 schedule after an entire year of no play due to COVID-19. The season will start on Tuesday, May 4 with the Red Sox traveling to play the Delmarva Shorebirds. The complete schedule can be found below:Salem Red Sox 2021 schedule (Salem Red Sox)โAfter the cancellation of last season, it is great to be able to announce a 2021 season schedule,โ said General Manager Allen Lawrence. The Red Sox will only have six of the 11 teams during the 2021 season due to the reduced schedule and travel restrictions. The 2021 promotional schedule and game times will be announced soon.
Salem Red Sox launch holiday movie series
SALEM, Va. โ Itโs beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Salem Memorial Ballpark! Starting on Dec. 5, holiday movies will air at the stadium as part of the new Salem Sox Cinema Series. Below is a schedule:Dec. 5: Polar ExpressDec. 12: ElfDec. 19: National Lampoonโs Christmas VacationGates for each screening open at 4 p.m. and movies will start at 6 p.m. Seating will be capped at 250, and you can reserve suites starting at $75. Suites have waitress service, indoor and outdoor seating and will guarantee admission of up to 10 guests.
Danville police officer supports local kidsโ bake sale
DANVILLE, Va. โ A Danville police officer is helping out a group of local kids' dance company by stopping by their bake sale. On Saturday, the department posted on Facebook about the visit, writing:โOfficer Dailey stopped by the Jodie Carroll Dance Company in Southwyck Plaza today to support there bake sale. Looks like he made a couple offriends as well.โ
Salem Red Sox to host a โHocus Pocusโ movie night
SALEM, Va. โ Goodbye, cruel world, and hello, Sanderson Sisters. On Oct. 23, these witchy sisters and the Salem Red Sox are teaming up for a night of spooky fun with a โHocus Pocusโ movie night at the Haley Toyota Field. Youโre able to have up to 10 guests for $75 per suite. For those missing the classic baseball concessions, the Red Sox Grill will be open throughout the event. Admission to this event is free with gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the movie set to start at 7:30 p.m.Click here for more information.
20 Halloween and fall events still happening in Central, Southwest Virginia
Thankfully, these events happening in the area and will bring you your yearly dose of fall cheer or Halloween spooks. Loweโs Curbside Trick-or-Treat Event across Southwest and Central VirginiaDates: Oct. 22 and Oct. 29Times: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Salem Red Sox and Virginia Birth Father Registry are hosting their annual Halloween event where kids can trick-or-treat at the ballpark. The Giles County Sheriffโs Office is hosting Operation Save Halloween, an outdoor trick-or-treat event, outside its office. The Town of Christiansburg is hosting a drive-thru trick-or-treat event at the Christiansburg Recreation Center parking lot.
Former Salem Sox Broadcaster Melanie Newman makes history in the booth for the second summer in a row
ROANOKE, Va. Like many things in 2020, Baltimore Orioles broadcaster Melanie Newmans call up to the big leagues from the Salem Red Sox was one big waiting game. We reported to spring training, we got that one spring training game done and called on radio and we were prepping for the next one.Within the hour, spring training was canceled due to COVID-19. Newman, while in the booth calling play-by-play for the Orioles game against Tampa, became the first female in franchise history to call play-by-play for a regular-season game. She is the fourth active female broadcaster in the nation. That makes two summers in a row Newman has made history as a female broadcaster.
Gray, Green Teams winners in The Last Inning
SALEM, Va. In game one of the action on Saturday, the Gray team defeated the Red team 13-9 in a comeback effort. In game two of action, the Green team prevailed with a 6-4 victory over the Navy team. The Gray team was made up of players from Staunton River, William Byrd, Eastern Montgomery, Radford and Cave Spring. The green team was made up of players from Salem, Glenvar, Auburn, Nothside and Craig County. The Navy team was made up of players from Blacksburg, Christiansburg, William Fleming, Hidden Valley and North Cross.
Roanoke area athletes start baseball practice ahead of Saturdays senior games
SALEM, Va. The Salem Red Sox will be hosting Roanoke area seniors on Saturday for a doubleheader honoring the players who didnt get a final season. There will be four teams with games at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The rosters were set up to put players on the same high school team together and Salem has the biggest group with nine. It will be fun, getting out here with the guys, catcher Michael Morrison said. Went separate ways to play this summer but to get back here and play with them will be fun.A firework show will happen after the games as well.
Salem Red Sox now selling season tickets for 2021 season
SALEM, Va โ The start of the Major League Baseball season has the Salem Red Sox preparing for next season. Tickets for the 2021 baseball season went on sale Thursday. This comes just weeks after Minor League Baseball canceled its season amid COVID-19 concerns. Staff with the Red Sox said it hasnโt been an easy summer without baseball, but they are eager to welcome guests back for a home game next season. The team is also donating tickets in the name of season holders from this year to front line workers so they can come to games next year.
High school baseball seniors to get one last chance to step up to the plate
SALEM, Va. While the Salem Red Sox will not be taking the field in 2020, some high school seniors will play on the diamond one final time. Four teams comprised of seniors from at least 20 high schools will be competing. Theyll get the full-player experience with announcements and headshots to be shown on the video board when theyre at bat. Several of them are going on to play college ball but, for the most part, theyre not. One player even made a comment, Im going to be able to pitch at a minor league park.
2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled due to coronavirus concerns
SALEM, Va. The Salem Red Sox, along with the rest of Minor League Baseball, announced on Tuesday the 2020 season is canceled due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials with the Salem Red Sox said they are developing plans for refund options for current ticket holders. They said ticket representatives will be in touch with all account holders in the coming weeks to provide details. Minor League Baseball officials originally announced on March 12 that the start to the 2020 season was delayed. However the choice to cancel the season altogether came as the pandemic continued.
Salem Memorial Ballpark hosts USSSA Tournament
SALEM, Va. More than a dozen 13-and-under baseball teams that are part of the Virginia United States Specialty Sports Association have taken to Salem Memorial Ballpark for a tournament this weekend. With ongoing discussions about major and minor league baseballs return, Haley Toyota Field was available for use this weekend. Salem Red Sox general manager Allen Lawrence said they were happy to welcome the youngsters. While the Salem Red Sox dont make profit from ticket sales, they do benefit from concession sales which is pivotal during the clubs uncertainty for a 2020 season. We havent had a Red Sox game since last August so every little bit of revenue helps.
Salem Red Sox field crew keeping it business as usual
SALEM, Va. April 9th was the day every staff member at the Salem Red Sox was looking forward to this year, especially Head Groundskeeper Joey Elmore. If we were starting opening day, we would have been out mowing every day, he said. We would have had the infield top dressed, were just trying right now to keep it business as usual.Business as usual, but under different circumstances. But that doesnt mean the Sox have let their field go to waste. Instead of raising our mowing height, Ive been trying to make everything game ready.Right now, the field crew is only working a few days a week.
Celebration of life planned for Rowan Price, Roanoke 4-year-old who died after battling leukemia
ROANOKE, Va. - Loved ones will soon gather to celebrate the life of their beloved and brave Rowan Price. The 4-year-old battled a rare, aggressive form of leukemia she had been fighting since October and died on Sept. 15. #rowfightwin," Rowan's mother posted, "Rowan was a beautiful light and we want to continue to share her light and loving spirit." We will be having a Celebration of Life for Rowan at the Salem Red Sox Stadium on Saturday, October 5th from 530pm-8pm. Thank you to Allen and The Salem Red Sox for allowing us to share this celebration with our community.
Salem wins game one of Carolina League playoff semifinal
SALEM, Va. โ Salem opened its first playoff action since 2016 with a win over Wilmington 8-3. The Red Sox were the second half winners of the Carolina League's North Division, while the Blue Rocks were the first half winners. Devlin Granberg hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning to lead Salem to victory. Game two of the best of five Mills Cup semifinal series is set for Thursday night at 6:35 from Salem.
Red Sox end regular season on 5-game win streak
SALEM, Va. - Courtesy: Salem Red Sox-Triston Casas broke open the stalemate between the Salem Red Sox and Carolina Mudcats with a 437-foot home run to launch Salem to a 3-1 win and series sweep Monday afternoon at Haley Toyota Field. How it Happened* Victor Acosta and Devlin Granberg knocked back-to-back singles in the sixth inning before Triston Casas cleared the bases with a monster blast to right field for a 3-0 lead. * Rio Gomez sealed the series sweep through a one-hit final frame and strikeout. * In his two games with Salem, Triston Casas is: 3-for-7, 3 RBI, 2 R, HR 2B* Alex Scherff's debut was not only his first Carolina win but a quality start. What's NextSalem Red Sox vs Wilmington Blue Rocks, September 4, 2019.
Red Sox win two on Saturday
SALEM, Va. - Courtesy of Salem Red Sox-Salem solidfied its series win over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Saturday night with two back-to-back victories at Haley Toyota Field. How it happenedGAME 1:* The Red Sox leaped to a quick 4-0 lead in the first inning. Keith Curcio tripled to score Fitzgerald before a monster center field home run from Kole Cottam boosted the Sox 4-0. * Three more runs crossed the dish for the Sox in the eighth after a pair of singles kicked off the frame for the Sox. A throwing error helped Devlin Granberg reach and Benge score for the final run of the game, with the Sox coming out on top 5-1.
Early plate success lifts Red Sox over Hillcats
SALEM, Va. - The Lynchburg Hillcats dropped their second straight game against the Salem Red Sox on Saturday night, falling 9-4. The Red Sox sent nine hitters to the plate in the first. A batter later, Jagger Rusconi singled home Corcino to make it 3-0 Red Sox. Jhonathan Diaz (Win, 7-6) worked five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits over five frames. The Hillcats and Red Sox will play the final games of the three-game set on Saturday.
Cheer on the Salem Red Sox with law enforcement during National Night Out
SALEM, Va. - Join Salem law enforcement for a night out at the ballpark. Officers from the Salem Police Department and the Salem Sheriff's Office will be at Salem Red Sox game on Aug 6 for National Night Out. You'll have the opportunity to meet officers, learn about crime prevention in your neighborhood and explore careers in law enforcement. The Salem Red Sox will be playing the Lynchburg Hillcats. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Salem's Castellanos soars Red Sox over Pelicans
SALEM, Va. - (Courtesy: Salem Red Sox)Pedro Castellanos blasted two jacks to push the Salem Red Sox over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans 7-5 Saturday night at Haley Toyota Field. * Nick Lovullo led-off the bottom of the frame with a single before Pedro Castellanos blasted a home run to cut the lead 3-2. * Delvin Zinn knocked an RBI single to extend Myrtle Beachs lead, 4-2 in the second inning. * Jagger Rusconi and Korby Batesole laced a pair of singles in the second inning before the Red Sox wreaked havoc on the Pelicans. * Lovullo and Fitzgerald pushed back-to-back singles and Castellanos cleared the bases again on his second home run for Salems first lead, 7-4, in the fourth inning.
Red Sox beat Myrtle Beach at home
SALEM, Va. - (Courtesy: Salem Red Sox)Pedro Castellanos delivered the Salem Red Sox to a 6-5 walk-off win over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Friday night at Haley Toyota Field. * Tyler Payne singled for Myrtle Beach when Nick Sciortino was hit on a swing-through by Wladimir Galindo. * Galindo snagged a 4-3 lead for Myrtle Beach in the fourth frame with an RBI single. * Dominic LoBrutto locked down Myrtle Beach with a clean ninth inning to keep it even. Standout Sox* Pedro Castellanos: 2-for-5, RBI, R* Edgar Corcino: 3-for-4, 4 RBI, R, HR* Dominic LoBrutto: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 KCopyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Beating the heat at the ballpark
SALEM, Va. - If you're heading to the Salem Red Sox game Friday night, team officials want everyone to be conscious of the heat. You can hang out in the shaded concourse, and there are water fountains all over the stadium. The team's training staff is making sure players are staying hydrated and not practicing out on the field as long. Next week, the team is even thinking of adding more cooling features like tents or misters to the stadium. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Red Sox fall to the Wood Ducks in extra innings
SALEM, Va. - The Salem Red Sox were clinging on to a slim 2-1 lead in the ninth inning when their pitching came apart just a bit. They were faced with a bases loaded, two men out situation when the tying run was walked home. Down East then scored four runs in the top of the tenth for the 6-2 victory. With the Salem loss and a Lynchburg Hillcats victory, the two teams are now tied atop the Carolina League Northern Division. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Salem Red Sox play-by-play announcer Melanie Newman thankful for Roanoke community
SALEM, Va. - The Salem Red Sox play-by-play personality Melanie Newman made history with Suzy Cool earlier this season. With more than half of the baseball season behind them, Newman reflected on the community Roanoke has brought her. I've never felt so embedded in the people around the Roanoke Valley. "I go to the grocery store, and it's the first time in my life, they're like, 'Hey you call the Salem games.'" With the addition of Saturday's games being televised on WSLS, it has brought more recognization to the woman calling the games.
Salem Red Sox prep for Saturday game to be aired on WSLS
SALEM, Va. - You can now find the Salem Red Sox in your home! The new partnership between WSLS and the Salem Red Sox will allow Saturday games to be aired on TV. Allen Lawrence, the Red Sox interim general manager told us his positive view. "We love the thought of people turning on the broadcast at home or playing it at a bar like Buffalo Wild Wings or something like that," Lawrence told our crew. It's taking us to the next level and raising awareness for the Salem Red Sox," said Lawrence.
Salem Red Sox ready to right ship in second half of season
SALEM, Va. - Putting the past behind and moving forward -- we do that a lot in life. When it comes to the Salem Red Sox, that's how they're viewing the first half of the Carolina League Season. Salem had a record of 25-42 in the first half, finishing last in the Northern Division. Salem has used that as motivation as they now sit atop the Northern Division to start the second half of the season. "You know, we learned so much from our failures this first half, and we're just going to carry what we've been doing these past few games," said Red Sox outfielder Jagger Rusconi.
Marcus Wilson earns Carolina League honors
SALEM, Va. โ The Salem Red Sox are playing much improved ball in the past three weeks leading up to and immediately following the All-Star break. Wilson earned Carolina League player of the week honors after batting .615 and hitting 4 home runs in a short week after the break. The former second round pick has added a much needed spark to the Red Sox lineup. I know he got off to a rough start in Double A but he's been at this level, he's had success at this level. Fayetteville's Corey Julks hit a three-run triple off the left field wall, and an ill-timed thunderstorm ended the Red Sox hopes of a comeback.
Four Salem Red Sox chosen for All-Star honors
SALEM, Va. โ Next week is the All-Star break for the Carolina League. Four Salem Red Sox have been honored with All-Star status. Leading the way is pitcher Kutter Crawford, He's been a dominate starter for the Sox this year with four wins in 13 starts, a 3.14 era and 73 strikeouts. He's hitting .315 with a team leading 39 rbi's and a .980 fielding percentage split between second and short. The All-Star break is set for Monday thru Wednesday of next week.
Meet Suzie and Melanie, Major League Baseball's first All-Female Broadcast Team
Joanna sits down with Suzie Cool and Melanie Newman of the Salem Red Sox, MLB's first All-Female Broadcast team in history, to see how their love of the game led them to broadcasting for the Salem Red... Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.