McNeely Shines, Road Warriors Drop Series Opener
July 24, 2021 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Kingsport Road Warriors News Release
BLUEFIELD, WV - Caleb McNeely finished a triple shy of the cycle but the Road Warriors dropped the series opener to the Bluefield Ridge Runners, 6-4, Saturday night at Bowen Field.
For the second time in as many games, McNeely put the Road Warriors (1-6) on the board first. Kingsport's shortstop clocked a two-run shot in the first inning to grab a 2-0 advantage.
In his next at-bat, McNeely singled to lead off the third. He scampered to the opposite corner after a pair of passed balls. With McNeely 90 feet away and one out, the Ridge Runners (22-21) brought their infield in.
Ben Berenda sharply hit a groundball at Bluefield second baseman Myles McKisic, who made an impressive play and fired home. McNeely darted for the plate and evaded the catcher's tag to place the Road Warriors ahead, 3-0.
Bluefield answered McNeely's heroics, scoring two in the fourth and one in the fifth, highlighted by Kendal Ewell's game-tying double.
Van Gupton, Jr. countered with a go-ahead two-bagger, pushing Kingsport in front, 4-3, in the seventh.
The Ridge Runners took their first lead in the bottom of the frame. Bluefield worked back-to-back two-out walks before Ewell delivered the game-winning three-run blast.
McNeely doubled in the eighth bringing the tying run to the dish but the Road Warriors couldn't muster up the timely knock to even the contest late.
With McNeely's dinger, Kingsport has smacked six homers in the last three games. The Road Warriors have led in six of their first seven games.
Kingsport looks to split the two-game set with the Ridge Runners Sunday. The seven-inning contest is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
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