ApL Elizabethton River Riders

River Riders Drop Home Finally against Axmen, Swept for the First Time this Season

Published on June 10, 2021 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Elizabethton River Riders News Release


ELIZABETHTON, TN --- The Elizabethton River Riders (2-4) dropped their home final against the Kingsport Axmen (3-3) 4-3 at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark Wednesday night. RHP Drew Gilespie threw 3.2 innings and struck out six in his second start.

The Axmen scored first in the top of the second inning with an RBI single by designated hitter Anthony Tulimero (Kansas).

The River Riders took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Jonathan Soto (Rogers State) led off the inning with his first hit of the season. He scored on a throwing error by second baseman Will Spears (Ark-Little Rock). Eli Young (Gateway) reached on a throwing error and scored on a bases-loaded walk by Garrison Berkley (TCU).

E-Town added a run in the fourth on an RBI single by second baseman Reagan Guthrie (Regis).

Kingsport made a three-run comeback in the top of the sixth inning. RHP Luis Gonzalez (St. Thomas) gave up one run on a single by left fielder Jordan Valera-Payne (Bluefield State). RHP Philip Berger (William Peace) relieved Gonzalez with two outs in the top of the sixth facing Tulimero. Berger forced a pop-up that was dropped by shortstop John Montes (UCF). Connor Milton (Illinois) and Valera-Payne scored on the error giving the Axmen a 4-3 lead.

Elizabethton had the bases loaded with no outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, but Kingsport brought in LHP Kyle Scrape who struck out three consecutive River Riders to end the threat.

In the top of the ninth inning manager Kevin Riggs and pitching coach Josue Matos were ejected from the game for arguing balls and strikes. Riggs and Matos are the first two ejections in the new Appalachian League history.

The River Riders will look to bounce back on the road tomorrow in Johnson City as they take on the Doughboys for the first time this season. First pitch is scheduled for 7 PM tomorrow at TVA Credit Union Ballpark. Fans can listen to all Elizabethton River Riders games by going to https://www.mlb.com/appalachian-league/elizabethton/fans/audio-listen-live.

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Appalachian League Stories from June 10, 2021


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