Astros Edge Pirates, 2-1
July 22, 2016 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Astros News Release
Greeneville, TN - The Greeneville Astros (16-13) won their seventh consecutive home game at Pioneer Park with a 2-1 victory over the Bristol Pirates (13-15) on Friday night. Overall, the Astros have now won 10 of their last 12 contests to put them in close contention with the Johnson City Cardinals (15-12) for the Appalachian League West Division lead.
The Astros began the game with a leadoff homer to left centerfield by Miguelangel Sierra in the bottom of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. It was Sierra's ninth home run of the year, just one behind the league leader. Meanwhile, it was the Astros' 30th as a team, tying them with the Elizabethton Twins for the most in the league.
Nathan Thompson got the start on the mound for the Astros and set the tone for a good night from the pitching staff. The lefty pitched three shutout innings, allowed just one hit, and struck out two.
The Pirates were only able to pick up three hits on the night, but a leadoff double by Victor Fernandez in the fifth inning put a runner in scoring position. Then, a wild pitch and a throwing error gave Fernandez the opportunity he needed to come around and even the game at 1-1.
Astros right-hander Tyler Britton (W, 3-1), who entered the game in the fourth, went three innings and picked up six strikeouts, two in each inning he pitched. Overall, he gave up one unearned run on two hits but was in line for the win after the Astros went back ahead in the bottom of the sixth.
The go-ahead and game-deciding run came after centerfielder Marcos Almonte, who went two-for-four on the night, led off with a triple on a fly ball into centerfield. Then, with Troy Sieber at the plate, Almonte was able to head home on a wild pitch by the Pirates.
Astros lefty Salvador Montaño came on in the seventh and pitched three shutout innings to close the game and pick up his second save of the season. The 22-year-old, who spent time in Greeneville last season, held the Pirates without a hit and struck out four.
In total, the three Astros pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts and no walks on the night while allowing just one unearned run on three hits.
The Astros will face the Pirates in game two of their three-game series on Saturday at 6:00pm. Right-handed pitcher Abdiel Saldana (1-0) will get the start for the Astros.
The Astros are the Appalachian League affiliate of the Houston Astros. For more information, visit www.greenevilleastros.com or call (423) 638-0411.
Appalachian League Stories from July 22, 2016
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- Astros Edge Pirates, 2-1 - Greeneville Astros
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