Astros shutout Rays twice in doubleheader sweep
Published on July 18, 2013 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Astros News Release
Greeneville, TN - The Greeneville Astros (17-10) shutout the Princeton Rays (6-20) in both games of a doubleheader at Pioneer Park on Thursday. In game one, the Astros' hitters lit up the scoreboard in a 10-0 game. Then, in game two, their pitchers controlled the game and shut down the Rays, 4-0. With seven consecutive wins, the Astros maintain the Appalachian League's best record and have now tied the longest win streak in club history which they set earlier this season.
In game one, the Astros' hot bats were led by Chase McDonald and Ricky Gingras. The Astros' first run came on a throwing error in the first inning. Then, Parker Hipp hit a sacrifice fly to score Gingras in the second inning. In the third inning, following a McDonald RBI single, Gingras crushed a three-run homer deep to right field. McDonald came back with a three-run double in the fourth inning and was followed by one final RBI single from Gingras to give the Astros a 10-0 lead by the end of the fourth.
On the night, McDonald finished two-for-four with three RBI and two runs scored. Meanwhile, Gingras was two-for-three with four RBI and two runs scored.
The Astros also had good pitching from starter Edison Frias and Ryan Connolly as they completed the two-hit shutout. Over 5.0 innings, Frias gave up two hits and no runs with one walk and two strikeouts in picking up the win. Then, Connolly held the Rays hitless over the final two innings with one walk and one strikeout.
After an approximate 45-minute intermission, the clubs returned to the field and the Astros started game two with another early lead. With two outs in the first inning and a runner on second, back-to-back RBI singles from Edwin Gomez and Angel Ibanez put the Astros on top 2-0. Runs would prove to be a little harder to come by as the game went on, but the Astros picked up two more scores on a Brett Phillips two-run single in the fifth inning.
As for the Astros' pitching, left-handed starter Jordan Mills looked untouchable as he had a perfect game going over his four innings of work to go along with five strikeouts. In the fifth inning, he gave way to Krishawn Holley and, although the Rays eventually broke up the perfect outing, the Astros concluded the game with another two-hit shutout. Holley pitched two innings with two hits, two walks and a strikeout as he got credited with the win. Then, Raul Rivera closed the game with a hitless inning in his Greeneville debut after being called up from the Gulf Coast League Astros earlier this week.
The Astros will be looking to complete the series sweep of the Rays on Friday night at Pioneer Park. Game time is scheduled for 7:00pm. Gates will open at 6:00pm. A Friday Night Fireworks show will immediately follow the game. For more information on the Greeneville Astros, please visit www.greenevilleastros.com or call (423) 638-0411.
Appalachian League Stories from July 18, 2013
- Astros shutout Rays twice in doubleheader sweep - Greeneville Astros
- D-Braves Swept In Twin Bill - Danville Otterbots
- Successful Fundraiser Conducted at Bristol Sox Game - Bristol White Sox
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