Astros Down Rays, 5-3
July 27, 2016 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Astros News Release
Greeneville, TN - In a game full of unusual situations between the Appalachian League division leaders, the Greeneville Astros (18-16) powered their way through mentally and physically, beating the Princeton Rays (19-13) Wednesday night and taking the season series four games to two.
The game started a little shaky for starting pitcher Tyler Britton (3-1) as the Rays managed to get the first two batters on base following a leadoff single and a hit batter. The 23rd round draft pick struck out the next batter, but then gave up a single on a line drive hit to center field scoring the first run of the game. Britton would then bounce back striking out the next two batters as three of his six strikeouts came in the first inning.
Princeton would extend their lead to 2-0 in the top of the third inning after another Rays player found his way on base via the hit-by-pitch. The runner would eventually score on an RBI single to center field after a groundout previously moved him over to second base.
Greeneville would tack some runs on the board in the fifth inning after failing to score earlier in the contest. A leadoff walk followed by a groundout and strikeout was enough to start a two out rally. Center fielder Frankeny Fernandez notched one of his two hits of the night putting a runner in scoring position that would eventually score on a Chaz Pal RBI single. Shortstop Miguelangel Sierra, who went two-for-three with two stolen bases, followed up with a broken bat blooper into short left field that brought in two runs and gave the Astros a 3-2 lead.
The Rays offense ceased in part to the efforts of pitchers Salvador Montaño (W, 1-1) and Nathan Thompson both throwing three innings and striking out four. Montaño dazzled by not allowing any hits or walks while Thompson showcased his finesse by picking off a runner at first base. Meanwhile, Greeneville's offense tacked on two more runs between a Fernandez solo homerun in the bottom of the seventh and a Reiny Beltre RBI single in the bottom of the eighth, the third single of that inning.
In the top of the ninth inning, Princeton would try to rally with it falling just short. After a groundout and strikeout to start the inning, Rays' shortstop Adrian Rondon smashed a solo homerun over the centerfield fence bringing Princeton within two. Princeton would follow that up with a line drive single to right field bringing the tying run up to the plate.
The next Rays batter mistakenly began trotting to first base after believing he was walked, however it was only ball three. In turn, the runner on first began walking towards second base before realizing Thompson was already throwing over to first base for the final out securing his first save of the year and the 5-3 Astros win.
The Astros now embark on a six game road trip with the first series coming against the Bluefield Blue Jays, a team that they just recently swept during their current homestand. Greeneville looks to bolster their already impressive record against the East Division, which stands at 11-4. Jorge Alcala (0-0) will be on the mound for Greeneville as Bluefield will counter with Osman Gutierrez (1-2).
The Astros are the Appalachian League affiliate of the Houston Astros. For more information, visit www.greenevilleastros.com or call (423) 638-0411.
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Appalachian League Stories from July 27, 2016
- Astros Down Rays, 5-3 - Greeneville Astros
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