Rays Overcome Early Deficit to Defeat Astros, 4-2
June 30, 2015 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Astros News Release
Princeton, WV - The Greeneville Astros (4-3) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on the Princeton Rays (4-3) on Monday night at Hunnicutt Field, but the Rays put together a three-run fifth inning to take the lead and eventually walk away with a 4-2 win. After one week of Appalachian League play, each team is tied for first place in their respective divisions.
The game started very well for the Astros with outfielders Myles Straw and Aaron Mizell both getting on with singles. Then, the hot-hitting Connor Goedert, who went two-for-three on the night, continued his recent ways by connecting on a two-run double in the first inning.
Over his last four games, Goedert is now eight-for-eleven (.727) with two doubles, a triple, and four RBI. Overall, he is batting .476 for the season which leads the Astros and is good for third in the entire league.
Astros starting pitcher Devonte German, a 20-year-old right-hander drafted in the 11th round of 2013, made his second appearance and first start of the season. He pitched three scoreless innings and allowed just two hits to maintain his 0.00 ERA.
The Rays were held to just two hits through the first four innings, but got a leadoff double from Brett Sullivan in the fifth followed by a Jamie Mitchell single to put runners at the corners. Then, shortstop Peter Maris III ripped a two-run triple into right field to tie the game, and Zacey Law connected a sacrifice fly two batters later to give the Rays the lead.
Princeton went on to add an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Jonathan Popadics RBI single, but the Astros did not go down easy as Brauly Mejia led off the ninth inning with a double.
However, despite a walk by Myles Straw, they were unable to advance the runners any further.
Rays starter Jose Mujica was credited with the win after pitching five innings while allowing two runs on five hits to go along with five strikeouts. Armando Bastardo picked up his third save of the season by closing the game with two scoreless innings.
The Astros will look to even the series with the Rays on Tuesday night in Princeton. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00pm.
The Astros are the Appalachian League affiliate of the Houston Astros. For more information, visit www.greenevilleastros.com or call (423) 638-0411.
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Appalachian League Stories from June 30, 2015
- Kingsport Takes 1-0 Victory - Danville Otterbots
- Rays Overcome Early Deficit to Defeat Astros, 4-2 - Greeneville Astros
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