SAL1 Rome Emperors

Harris Delivers Clutch Double to Lift Rome to Victory

April 26, 2019 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Rome Emperors News Release


ROME, GA - Trey Harris continued his assault on South Atlantic League pitchers on a rainy evening at State Mutual Stadium, securing a 3-2 win with a two run double into the left field corner in the 8th inning that turned the game back in Rome's favor and denied the visiting Kannapolis Intimidators.

Rome and Kannapolis waited out a 48 minute rain delay at the outset of the evening and eventually opened their four game series with a well pitched affair on Thursday night. Rome was able to dent Intimidators LHP starter Konnor Pilkington for a run in the 1st inning after Logan Brown delivered a two out RBI single into right field. After that hit, Pilkington settled in and began to dominate. The big lefty retired 15 consecutive Rome batters from the 1st until the 6th inning. Pilkington departed with Kannapolis leading 2-1 in the 7th inning but it was in the 8th when the Rome offense made its move.

Following a leadoff single from Justin Dean and a walk to Greg Cullen, Harris took a hanging slider from Zack Burdi into left field, erasing the Kannapolis lead and putting Rome back on top. Standing on second base after his game-changing hit, Harris screamed toward the Rome dugout as his teammates cheered him.

Lukas Young entered and earned the save in the 9th inning, pitching around a hit and a walk in the frame. Kannapolis had the tying run in scoring position when Young struck out Lenyn Sosa looking to end it.

LHP reliever Dilmer Mejia got the win as reward for 3 scoreless innings of work out of the Rome bullpen. Braves starter RHP Odalvi Javier received a no-decision but was effective, hurling 5 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits. He struck out six and walked one.

Cullen was 1-2 with a walk and was hit by a pitch. He scored two runs. Harris went 1-3 with the game-winning double, two RBI, and a walk. He's batting .357 this season. Dean was 1-4 with a single and a run scored. Brown was 1-4 with a single and an RBI.

The Braves last three victories have all been one run wins. The last two were thanks to 8th inning rallies at State Mutual Stadium.

Rome and Kannapolis continue their four game series on Friday night. Game 2 is scheduled for 7 pm at State Mutual Stadium and will also feature Touki Toussaint bobble-head night. Rome will start RHP Alan Rangel (0-1, 5.54) while Kannapolis puts RHP Kade McClure (1-0, 5.27) on the mound.

Rome (8-12): 3 R 6 H 0 E

Kannapolis (8-11): 2 R 10 H 0 E

W: Dilmer Mejia (2-0)

L: Zack Burdi (0-1)

S: Lukas Young (2)

Time: 2:23 (:48 rain delay)

Attendance: 1,382

Check out the Rome Emperors Statistics



South Atlantic League Stories from April 26, 2019


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