ApL Kingsport Axmen

Kingsport Bounces Back with Offensive Outburst

Published on June 17, 2021 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Kingsport Axmen News Release


KINGSPORT, TN - The Kingsport Axmen flexed their muscles at the plate, defeating the Elizabethton River Riders, 12-8, Wednesday evening at Hunter Wright Stadium.

Kingsport (4-7) tallied a season-high 12 runs on 11 hits and drew 10 walks to end a four-game losing skid. The Axmen scored in five consecutive innings, including two four-spots in the third and sixth.

After Elizabethton (5-6) grabbed two runs in the top of the third, Nick Barnes (Georgia Gwinnett) tied the game up in a hurry. The Axmen rightfielder lined a two-run single into center, leveling the score at 2-2.

MJ Rodriguez (Oklahoma State) followed and plated Jordan Varela-Payne (NC Central), putting Kingsport ahead, 3-2. One batter later, Barnes came around to score on a wild pitch, padding Kingsport's advantage to 4-2.

The Axmen never looked back.

In the fourth, Rodriguez earned his second RBI in as many innings, working a bases-loaded walk.

With Kingsport up, 5-2, Connor Milton (Illinois) led off the fifth with his first home run in an Axmen uniform, crushing the first pitch of the frame over the leftfield wall.

JonJon Berring (Santa Clara) notched his first hit in his Appalachian League debut two pitches later. With Berring aboard at second, Dante Leach (Arkansas Pine-Bluff) cranked a triple to right, extending the lead to 7-2.

The River Riders rallied for three runs in the top of the sixth, but once again, the Axmen answered.

Cal Hejza (Illinois) started the scoring in the sixth for Kingsport, drawing a free pass with the bases juiced. The next hitter, the Axmen added to their lead when Milton scampered home on a wild pitch.

With two runs already on the board in the inning, Varela-Payne knocked a two-RBI base hit into center, capping off the four-run sixth with the hosts leading, 11-5.

The River Riders cut into the deficit with three runs in the seventh, but it wouldn't be enough.

Berring laced a triple into deep centerfield, rounding out the 12-8 victory.

Alex Henderson picked up his first win of the season, tossing a scoreless inning in relief. Patrick Strawbridge collected his first save in an Axmen uniform, recording the final two outs.

Next, the Axmen welcome the Pulaksi River Turtles to Kingsport for a two-game series, beginning Thursday night. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.

Check out the Kingsport Axmen Statistics

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Appalachian League Stories from June 17, 2021


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