SALEM, Va. — The offensively-challenged Wilson Warbirds dropped their third straight game of their Single-A Carolina League baseball series with a 2-1 loss Thursday, April 9, to the Salem RidgeYaks at Salem Memorial Stadium.
The Warbirds, now 2-4, managed just four singles and struck out 18 times while stranding nine runners on base — twice coming away empty-handed after loading the bases with no outs. Still, the teams were tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the eighth when the RidgeYaks (5-1) scrounged up a run on Warbirds reliever Garrett Hodges. Right fielder Andrews Opata singled with one out, then stole second and third bases before a Hodges wild pitch brought him home with the go-ahead run.
Wilson starter Miqueas Mercedes had a second strong outing without a decision. The Warbirds Opening Night starter last week, the right-hander worked 4 1/3 innings while just giving up one earned run on five hits and three walks while striking out five…