Flyboys Fall in Pitchers' Duel at Bluefield
ApL Greeneville Flyboys

Flyboys Fall in Pitchers' Duel at Bluefield

Published on June 9, 2025 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Flyboys News Release


Bluefield, Va. - The Greeneville Flyboys (3-1) took their first loss of the season at Bluefield (2-2) on Monday, falling in the series opener versus the Ridge Runners, 2-1. It was a pitchers' duel, scoreless until first baseman Layne Akers (0-for-2, RBI) gave the Flyboys a 1-0 lead, plating third baseman Jace Patton (0-for-3, R) with a sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh inning. Right-handed hurler Evan Kay (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K) retired the side in order to send the Flyboys to the eighth with their one-run advantage intact, but after Ridge Runners reliever Chase Blease responded in kind, Bluefield rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame.

Southpaw Garrett Mackowiak (BS, 1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K) surrendered a leadoff walk to Bluefield third baseman Chris Daniels (0-for-1, 2 BB, R), who scored on a double from shortstop Robert Tate (1-for-2, 2B, RBI) to tie the game. After Ridge Runners center fielder Cole Decker (0-for-3, R, SB) was hit by a pitch and stole second base, second baseman Cristino Tufano (1-for-4, 2B, RBI) stung a ball into the right-center field gap, scoring Decker to give the Ridge Runners a 2-1 lead they did not relinquish. Evan Mobley (1 IP, H, K) allowed a leadoff single to newly-minted Appalachian League Player of the Week Ezra McNaughton (1-for-3, BB, SB), but McNaughton was thrown out attempting to steal second base. Mobley retired the next two Flyboys hitters in order to seal the 2-1 Bluefield win.

Both pitching staffs were prolific in Monday's low-scoring affair. Flyboys starter Kellan Klosterman (5 IP, H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K) took a perfect game into the fifth inning and, after loading the bases with one out, induced a double-play ball to end the threat. Klosterman and Kay combined to hold batters one-through-four in the Bluefield lineup to a combined 0-for-12 with eight strikeouts. Bluefield lefty starter Christian Southwell (4 IP, H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K) and relief pitcher Victor Christal (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 3 K) were equally impressive for the home nine.

Next up

The Flyboys conclude their two-game series versus Bluefield at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and return home to host the Kingsport Axemen at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Fans can purchase tickets at flyboysbaseball.com or by calling the Flyboys' ticket office at (423) 609-7400. In the event of inclement weather, please stay tuned to @GFlyBoys on Facebook, Instagram and X for updates.

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Appalachian League Stories from June 9, 2025


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