Astros beat Cardinals 8-3 to complete series sweep
July 12, 2014 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Astros News Release
Greeneville, TN - The Greeneville Astros (11-10) defeated the Johnson City Cardinals (11-10) by the score of 8-3 on Friday night at Pioneer Park to complete a three-game sweep. Overall, it was the Astros' season-high fourth consecutive win and the Cardinals' fifth straight loss. The two teams are now tied for second in the Appalachian League West Division behind the Elizabethton Twins (14-8).
Early on, both teams were having a hard time getting any offensive production. However, in the top of the third inning, the Cardinals took advantage of their opportunities.
With two outs, Johnson City had consecutive batters reach base on errors. Then, with runners at first and third, a wild pitch by the Astros allowed Devonte Lacy to score the first run of the night for the Cardinals.
The Astros were slow to get started without the presence of their manager Josh Bonifay, who is temporarily away from the team for the birth of his child. However, they finally got their offense going in the fifth inning and once they started, they were hard to stop.
With two outs, Ydarqui Marte doubled and then scored on a fielding error to even the score. Then, later in the inning, Juan Santana hit a RBI double as part of his three-for-four night to put the Astros in front, 2-1.
In the sixth, Yonathan Mejia hit a one-out triple for the Astros. Then, Cesar Carrasco followed with a RBI single to extend the Astros' lead to two runs.
In the seventh, after Ramon Laureano left the game with an injured hand during his at-bat, Jason Martin stepped in with a 2-2 count and drew a walk. A few batters later, Juan Santana knocked him in for a score. Then, Santana stole home on a double steal with Sean McMullen going to second.
Up 5-1, the Astros were in a good position but the Cardinals made it very interesting for a moment. With runners at first and second, Blake Drake connected on a RBI single. Then, after one out and a pitching change, Chris Rivera came on and hit another RBI single to cut the Astros' lead to 5-3. However, a ground out concluded the inning with the Astros still holding a two-run advantage.
In the eighth inning, the Astros' Connor Goedert hit a sacrifice bunt with runners at first and second. With the aid of a throwing error, both runners ended up scoring. Then, Jason Martin singled on a line drive to left field to give the Astros a five-run lead and secure the win.
Astros starter Robert Kahana pitched four innings and gave up just one unearned run with one walk. Then, left-hander Austin Nicely, who picked up the win, entered the game and went the next 3.1 innings giving up two runs and two hits along with two walks and two strikeouts. Finally, Zach Davis pitched the final 1.2 innings, gave up two hits, and walked one to pick up the save.
The Astros will begin a new three-game home series with the Pulaski Mariners in a rematch of last season's Appalachian League championship series beginning Saturday at 6:00pm. Fans will receive an Astros logo sticker giveaway as they enter the gates beginning at 5:00pm.
Appalachian League Stories from July 12, 2014
- Mariners Mash Their Way to 11-10 Victory - Pulaski Mariners
- D-Braves Continue to Struggle Coming Back Home - Danville Otterbots
- Astros beat Cardinals 8-3 to complete series sweep - Greeneville Astros
- D-Braves Hold on To First Place Despite 2-5 Road Trip - Danville Otterbots
- Astros beat Cardinals 8-3 to complete series sweep - Greeneville Astros
- Pulaski Mariners Lose in Heartbreaking Fashion - Pulaski Mariners
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