SAL1 Asheville Tourists

Nicasio Is Nice In Tourists Debut

Published on May 29, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Asheville Tourists News Release


(Asheville, NC) - The Tourists took on Savannah in game two of a five-game series at McCormick Field Friday night with their latest addition to the roster on the mound. With starting pitcher Christian Friedrich being promoted to High Class-A Modesto, the Tourists replaced him in the rotation with 22-year-old Juan Nicasio, who threw well in his Asheville debut, leading the Tourists over the Sand Gnats by a score of 3-2. Asheville overcame two solo homeruns by Savannah third baseman Jefry Marte to secure the victory.

The Tourists spotted their new starting pitcher an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Scott Robinson drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second base on a throwing error by Savannah starter Kyle Allen. Thomas Field singled into left field to put runners on the corners and Jimmy Cesario grounded into a fielder's choice, but beat out a potential double play to earn an RBI when Robinson came around to score.

The Sand Gnats drew even in the top of the third inning after Nicasio retired the first two batters he faced. Jefry Marte got ahead in the count 3-0 before a close pitch was called a strike on the outside corner. Marte began his trot down to first base, thinking he'd drawn a walk, but home plate umpire Matt Cumbee called him back to the plate. Marte promptly followed by depositing the next pitch over the wall in left field, tying the game at 1-1.

Asheville jumped right back into the lead in the bottom of the third inning thanks to an RBI single by Jimmy Cesario. It was Cesario's second RBI of the night, each plating Scott Robinson, and gave the Tourists a 2-1 lead.

Nicasio got into trouble in the top of the fourth, allowing a leadoff walk and a base hit. After drawing a flyout, Nicasio walked Raul Reyes to load the bases with one away. Nicasio buckled down and struck out two consecutive batters, getting Kai Gronauer swinging and Daniel Stegall looking to end the threat. That would be the end of the night for Nicasio, who went 4.0 innings, allowing a run on three hits and striking out three.

The Tourists got a bit of breathing room in the bottom of the fourth inning thanks to a sacrifice fly off the bat of Tyler Massey, extending the Asheville lead to 3-1.

Nicasio was backed up by strong relief pitching by the Asheville bullpen. Stephen Dodson came on in the fifth inning and allowed another solo homerun to Marte, making the score 3-2 Tourists, but that would be all the offense Savannah would muster. Dodson worked 2.0 innings, allowing the one run on two hits, earning his first victory of the year. Isaiah Froneberger came on to work a scoreless seven innings, allowing two hits and striking out one. Kurt Yacko was called upon to pitch the eighth, and allowed just a walk in a scoreless inning. Finally, Adam Jorgenson came on in an attempt to earn his sixth save of the year, and threw a perfect top of the ninth, striking out all three batters he faced to secure the 3-2 Asheville win.

The Tourists (18-29) will face off against the Sand Gnats (24-23) again Saturday evening in a doubleheader before the teams complete this series Sunday afternoon. Asheville will have RHP Dan Houston (1-2, 3.79) on the mound in game one against Savannah RHP Elvin Ramirez (2-3, 2.98). Game two will be a matchup between Tourists RHP Jonnathan Aristil (0-1, 4.21) and Sand Gnats RHP Eric Beaulac (2-2, 3.48). Tickets for Saturday's game and all Tourists home games are available by contacting the Tourists box office at (828) 258-0428. You can also listen to all 140 Asheville Tourists games live on 100.7 WRES FM or streaming online at www.theashevilletourists.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 29, 2009


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