Late-Inning Collapse Ends in 4-3 Hot Rods Loss
July 2, 2025 - South Atlantic League (SAL)
Bowling Green Hot Rods News Release
Rome, Georgia - The Bowling Green Hot Rods (6-5, 40-35) snapped a 16.0 inning scoreless streak, but a late rally from the Rome Emperors (5-5, 34-41) led to a 4-3 loss on Wednesday at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome, Georgia.
The Emperors plated the first run of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning against Hot Rods starter Hayden Snelsire. With two outs, Will Verdung, Justin Janas, and Ambioris Tavarez all collected consecutive singles, pushing in Verdung, to make it a 1-0 Rome lead.
Bowling Green finally broke onto the scoreboard in the top of seventh inning against the Rome bullpen. Aidan Smith worked a leadoff walk and stole second base. Mac Horvath singled to center, scoring Smith, tying the game at 1-1. Daniel Vellojin reached on a fielder's choice, and Blake Robertson doubled, putting runners at second and third. Jhon Diaz hit a groundball to shortstop, and an error by Lizandro Espinoza allowed Vellojin to score, giving the Hot Rods a 2-1 lead.
Another run came in to score for the Hot Rods in the top of the ninth against Emperors reliever Justin Long. Emilien Pitre led off the inning with a double, and advanced to third and scored on consecutive wild pitches, increasing the Hot Rods lead to 3-1.
Rome came storming back in the bottom of the ninth inning against Bowling Green reliever Alexander Alberto. Mason Guerra led off with a single and Will Verdung walked. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, and Justin Janas grounded out to first to score Guerra, making it a 3-2 game. Tavarez doubled to right, plating Verdung, tying the game at 2-2. Bryson Horne singled and Mac Guscette was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Jace Grady lifted a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Tavarez, walking off the Hot Rods with a 4-3 score.
Long (1-0) earned the win, tossing 1.0 inning, allowing one run on one hit while walking two and striking out one. Alberto (0-1) was given the loss, surrendering three runs on four hits with one walk across 1.1 innings.
The Hot Rods and Emperors play the third game of a six-game series on Thursday with a 5:05 PM CT first pitch at AdventHealth Stadium. Bowling Green's starter is to be determined and will face Rome LHP Jacob Kroeger (0-2, 2.30).
Fans can catch all the action by watching on MiLB.tv, listening through the MiLB First Pitch App and BGHotRods.com. Fans can also secure their seats for future home Hot Rods games by calling (270) 901-2121, visiting the Bowling Green Ballpark box office during normal business hours, or going to www.bghotrods.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from July 2, 2025
- Drive Sweep Twin Bill over Tourists - Greenville Drive
- Hub City and Winston-Salem Split First Two - Hub City Spartanburgers
- Cyclones Derailed, Drop Doubleheader to Renegades - Brooklyn Cyclones
- McFarlane, Chenault, Hejka Combine for No-Hitter in Nightcap, Claws Sweep Double-Header - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Renegades Take Two - Hudson Valley Renegades
- Late-Inning Collapse Ends in 4-3 Hot Rods Loss - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- Tourists Swept in Road Doubleheader - Asheville Tourists
- Grasshoppers Defeat IronBirds 7-3 on Wednesday Evening - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- Hot Rods Game Notes - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- Renegades Game Notes - Hudson Valley Renegades
- Bush, Mayer Crowned Astros Lower Level Players of the Month - Asheville Tourists
- De Grandpre, Bullpen Stamp League-Leading Ninth Shutout - Rome Emperors
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.
