Braves Scrape by Tourists in Series Opener
Published on May 14, 2015 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Asheville Tourists News Release
ASHEVILLE, NC--It was supposed to be the night. The Asheville Tourists were opening up a seven-game homestand on a Thirsty Thursday against a Rome Braves team that they have already defeated three times in four games this season. Unfortunately, the visiting Braves stole the series opener 3-2 in front of over 3,900 strong at McCormick Field.
The game began as a pitchers' duel; like many have for Asheville this season. Sam Howard was lights out for the Tourists while Caleb Beech kept pace for the Braves. In the bottom of the fourth, Forrest Wall finale had an answer for Beech. The Tourists second baseman roped a double off the centerfield wall plating Drew Weeks. For the third game in a row Asheville took a 1-0 lead over their opponent; and for the third game in a row they ended up behind at the end.
Rome responded with a Bryan De La Rosa Home Run in the top of the fifth. With the score tied 1-1, Asheville left a pair of runners on base in the bottom of the sixth inning. In the top of the seventh, the Braves took advantage of a Tourists throwing error and jumped in front 2-1 with a sacrifice fly from De La Rosa.
History was quick to repeat itself as once again Rome, aided by a Tourists throwing error, tacked on another in the eighth. This time a perfectly executed suicide squeeze made it a 3-1 score. But the Tourists made it interesting late.
In the bottom of the eighth with runners at first and third, Wall grounded into a fielder's choice pulling Asheville within one at 3-2. Unfortunately, in the bottom of the ninth, the Tourists went down in order. Zach Quintana notched the save for Rome.
The Tourists managed only five hits, one more than the Braves' four. However, the two errors proved to be the difference on this occasion. Howard suffered a tough luck loss but ended up with another brilliant outing. He matched a season-high with eight strikeouts and surrendered just one earned run on three hits in 6.1 innings pitched.
Both Asheville and Rome will be back in action tomorrow night at McCormick Field with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05pm.
South Atlantic League Stories from May 14, 2015
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- Wieck Ks 11 in 5-2 Loss Thursday - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Wieck Ks 11 in 5-2 Loss Thursday - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Doubleheader Split in Greensboro - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Braves Scrape by Tourists in Series Opener - Asheville Tourists
- Suns and Power Each Toss 3-0 Shutouts in Doubleheader - Hagerstown Suns
- Lopez's Long Ball Dooms R'Dogs - Charleston RiverDogs
- Drive Top RiverDogs 4-2 in Series Opener - Greenville Drive
- Power Splits Twin Bill - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Tocci Delivers in 10th as Claws Win 3rd Straight Game - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Lambert Promoted to High Desert - Hickory Crawdads
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