SAL1 Charleston Dirty Birds

Power Two-Hit in Opener

Published on April 4, 2013 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston Dirty Birds News Release


The West Virginia Power opened the 2013 season with a 3-0 loss to the Asheville Tourists on Thursday evening. Four Tourist pitchers limited the Power to two hits and eight total base runners under rainy conditions at Appalachian Power Park.

Both starters fared well over the game's first four innings. Joely Rodriguez made the start for West Virginia and struck out two batters in each of the first two innings. Asheville starter Eddie Butler didn't surrender a hit until the ninth man he faced: Walker Gourley to lead off the third inning.

In the top of the fifth, Rodriguez retired the first two batters on strikes before a four pitch walk to Jason Stolz. Juan Ciriaco doubled to push both runners into scoring position. With Kyle Von Tungeln at the plate, Power catcher Wyatt Mathisen was charged with a passed ball that allowed Stolz to score the game's first run. Von Tungeln singled in Ciriaco to push the Tourists ahead 2-0. Asheville added a run in the sixth on a single by Julian Yan.

West Virginia's only other hit came off the bat of Josh Bell in the home half of the sixth inning. The Power sent just three batters to the plate in each of the final three innings.

Rodriguez (0-1) took the loss despite only allowing two runs on five hits over five complete innings while striking out eight. Butler (1-0) garnered the win with five-and-a-third innings of one-hit ball. Raul Hernandez struck out the side in the ninth for the save.

The Power fell to 0-5 on Opening Day since becoming a Pirates affiliate in 2009. 2,693 fans helped open Appalachian Power Park for the season.

West Virginia and Asheville continue this four-game series Friday night. Clay Holmes will make the start for the Power and the Tourists will let T.J. Oakes toe the rubber. First pitch is slated for 7:05 pm.

OVERALL RECORD: 0-1

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 4, 2013


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