5-run 8th inning lifts Astros over Cardinals
Published on June 21, 2012 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Astros News Release
Johnson City, TN - With the game tied at 4-4, the Greeneville Astros used a five-run eighth inning to lift them over the Cardinals for their first win of the 2012 season on Wednesday night in Johnson City.
Prior to the big offensive outburst by the Astros, the game was a back-and-forth affair. The Cardinals struck first with a solo homer from Samuel Tuivailala in the third inning. The Astros answered in the next half inning with a Marc Wik RBI single, following two walks, to even the game. However, Johnson City took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth with a sacrifice fly from Michael Knox.
After a scoreless fifth and two quick outs in the sixth, Greeneville was able to put together three consecutive hits to produce some runs. Mark Wik got things going with a line drive single to center field. Then, Terrell Joyce doubled on a fly ball to right field to score Wik. Finally, Ariel Ovando connected on a base hit to bring Joyce home to give the Astros their first lead of the young season at 3-2.
The lead was short-lived however. With two outs, Johnson City loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth inning with two walks and a double from Ildemaro Vargas. The Cardinals ended up scoring two runs on a throwing error from the Astros and pulled back in front 4-3.
A Michael Martinez RBI single in the top of the seventh inning, after D'Andre Toney reached on a fielding error and a single from Jean Batista, evened the game back up before the offensive explosion from the Astros in the eighth inning.
To get the big inning going for Greeneville, Marc Wik led off with a walk. Two batters later, Ariel Ovando connected on a double to left field to put the Astros on top. Then, Jimmy Howick and D'Andre Toney each connected for RBI singles before Jean Batista hit a 2- run homerun over the left field wall to give the Astros a 9-4 lead and the final outcome.
Jordan Jankowski (1-0) picked up the win in relief for the Astros, giving up no runs on two hits over 1.1 innings. Starter Richard Rodriguez pitched five innings, gave up one run on four hits and picked up eight strikeouts. On the night, five Greeneville pitchers combined for sixteen strikeouts. The Astros and Cardinals will square off in a rubber match on Thursday night. For more information on the Greeneville Astros, please visit www.greenevilleastros.com or call (423) 638-0411.
Appalachian League Stories from June 21, 2012
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- Hebert's Three-Run Homer Propels M's to first win - Pulaski Mariners
- Elizabethton Wins Rubber Game, 7-2 - Danville Otterbots
- 5-run 8th inning lifts Astros over Cardinals - Greeneville Astros
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