SAL1 Charleston Dirty Birds

Nevarez's Walk-Off Jack Lifts Power to 4-3 Win

April 26, 2019 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston Dirty Birds News Release


Dean Nevarez of the West Virginia Power reacts after his game-winning home run
Dean Nevarez of the West Virginia Power reacts after his game-winning home run
(Charleston Dirty Birds, Credit: Sam Santilli/West Virginia Power)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Dean Nevarez launched two no-doubt home runs, including a walk-off shot with West Virginia down to its final strike in the bottom of the ninth, to beat Asheville, 4-3, Friday night at Appalachian Power Park.

After allowing a leadoff single to Ryan Ramiz to start the bottom of the ninth, Alexander Martinez (0-1) recorded the next two outs via a fielder's choice and strikeout. The next batter, Nevarez, strode to the plate and quickly fell behind in the count. Nevarez fought off multiple two-strike pitches before absolutely uncorking a fastball 419 feet into the Charleston night for a 4-3 walk-off winner.

Friday's game-ender marked the second walk off win for the Power (14-6) this season, and the first via a walk-off homer since Ryan Peurifoy did it May 1, 2018, versus Augusta. Nevarez also becomes the first Power player to have a multi-homer game since Dylan Busby accomplished the feat on May 8, 2018, at Hagerstown.

Nevarez and Jarred Kelenic combined for three long balls on the night, accounting for all four of West Virginia's runs.

It was a pitcher's duel early on between the two starters, Logan Gilbert and Ryan Feltner, but Asheville (7-14) got on the board first thanks to an RBI double from Kyle Datres in the top of the second inning to make it 1-0 Tourists. However, Gilbert retired the next eight batters he faced and increased his strikeout total to eight in the sixth.

Feltner continued to dominate until the fifth, when Nevarez deposited a 442-foot blast over the left-center field wall to tie the game at one.

The Tourists answered in a big way in the sixth. After Gilbert started the inning with back-to-back strikeouts, a two-out double from Willie MacIver set the stage for Johnny Cresto, who smacked an inside-the-park home run over the head of Kelenic in center field, elevating Asheville to a 3-1 lead.

Kelenic immediately answered in the bottom of the sixth, as he launched the first pitch of the inning over the right-center field wall to cut the Asheville lead in half at 3-2.

Elias Espino replaced Gilbert on the hill and tossed two scoreless innings before Sal Biasi (2-0) took over with two outs in the eighth and kept the deficit at one through the top of the ninth.

West Virginia continues their series against the Asheville Tourists Saturday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. at Appalachian Power Park. RHP Clay Chandler (2-0, 0.41 ERA) heads to the bump for the Power, while the Tourists send LHP Nick Bush (1-1, 7.11 ERA) to the slab. Pregame coverage begins at 1:45 p.m. on The Jock 1300 and 1340 AM, as well as online at wvpower.com and via the TuneIn Radio App and MiLB First Pitch App.

The highlight of the homestand comes Saturday afternoon, which is Will Ferrell Day at Appalachian Power Park, and includes a Josh Bell cowbell giveaway for the first 1,000 fans through the gates. Also, stick around for a postgame performance from Creek Don't Rise and to watch the MLB Jr. Home Run Derby on the field. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, call us at 304-344-2287 or visit wvpower.com.

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Images from this story

Dean Nevarez of the West Virginia Power reacts after his game-winning home run
Dean Nevarez of the West Virginia Power reacts after his game-winning home run
(Sam Santilli/West Virginia Power)		   



South Atlantic League Stories from April 26, 2019


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