Gillingham's Return to Asheville Is Oh So Sweet
Published on June 1, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Asheville Tourists News Release
On May 8, Alex Gillingham pitched seven innings versus the Lexington Legends in a 2-1 Tourists loss where he did not surrender an earned run. That night, Gillingham was on a plane headed back to extended spring training in order to make room for the Rockies first round draft pick Tyler Anderson. While Anderson has been lights out for Asheville, the question loomed; what is next for Gillingham?
Friday night was his anticipated return and all he did was toss just the second complete game of the season for Asheville in their 6-1 victory over Augusta. Gillingham went all nine innings, scattered five hits, allowed one unearned run, and struck out a career-high eight batters while not issuing a single walk. The Tourists righty did not allow a ball out of the infield until a two-out fifth inning double by Joe Staley. The GreenJackets only had three balls reach the outfield in the game.
Offensively, the Tourists were led by their catcher Will Swanner who finished 3-for-4 and a triple shy of the cycle. Swanner plated the game's first runs when he came to the plate in the second inning with Harold Riggins at first. Will connected with his seventh Home Run of the season to give Asheville a 2-0 lead and extended his reach base streak to 29 straight games in style.
In the third, Trevor Story doubled off the centerfield wall which plated Brian Humphries from second base. The fourth inning provided some fireworks as well. After Swanner led off with a single, Tyler Massey and Taylor Featherston hit back-to-back Home Runs and Asheville led 6-0 after four. Augusta's lone run came in the sixth inning when Shawn Payne singled home Jesus Galindo from second.
The Tourists are now 4-1 on their current home-stand and have won 11 of their last 12 at McCormick Field. Ironically, it will be Anderson starting for the Tourists tomorrow as he will look to follow Gillingham's gem with one of his own.
South Atlantic League Stories from June 1, 2012
- 'Dads Power Past West Virginia with 9-6 Win - Hickory Crawdads
- Intimidators Rally with Walks in 8th Inning - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Drive Keep RiverDogs on a Leash, Win 13-3 - Greenville Drive
- Drive Cruise Past Charleston 13-3 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Gillingham's Return to Asheville Is Oh So Sweet - Asheville Tourists
- Montero Brilliant in 2-0 Win Friday - Savannah Sand Gnats
- GreenJackets Drop Third Straight in 6-1 Loss - Augusta GreenJackets
- Shorebirds Game Postponed on Friday - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Mitchell Akers Benefit Game Rescheduled to Sunday - Hagerstown Suns
- Tourists Add Gillingham; Reid Placed on Inactive List - Asheville Tourists
- 2012 WV State Baseball Tournament- June 1- Both Sessions Postponed - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Power Game Notes - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Seats Limited for June 15th Contest - Augusta GreenJackets
- 2012 WV State Baseball Tournament- June 1- Session One Postponed - Charleston Dirty Birds
- 2012 State Baseball Tournament- June 1 Session One Delayed - Charleston Dirty Birds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
