ApL Bristol State Liners

Rivero Helps Pirates Top Kingsport

Published on July 1, 2019 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Bristol State Liners News Release


Late-game heroics from center fielder Daniel Rivero lifted the Pirates to victory on Monday night, as Bristol defeated the Kingsport Mets 6-4 in the series opener.

A first-inning single from catcher Eli Wilson put the Pirates on the board early as he drove in shortstop Jesus Valdez to make it a 1-0 game. The Pirates held on to the one-run lead until the fourth inning, when Kingsport scored three unearned runs off starter Tahnaj Thomas to take their first lead of the night. Wilson started the scoring again for Bristol in the sixth inning, when he launched the second pitch he saw over the left field fence for his second home run of the year. Right fielder Brendt Citta stepped up to the plate next and drove a 2-0 pitch to right field for his first home run of the year to tie the game at 3-3.

A home run from Kingsport center fielder Tanner Murphy in the sixth inning gave the Mets a 4-3 lead that they carried into the ninth inning. One out away from dropping the series opener, Rivero laced an RBI single to center that scored second baseman Francisco Acuna to tie the game at 4-4 and force extra innings.

Designated hitter Chase Murray scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the top of the 11th, and Rivero knocked in an insurance run with another two-out single to drive in Acuna. Bear Bellomy retired the Mets in order in the bottom half of the inning to give the Pirates their fifth win in their last seven games.

After being limited to 1 2/3 innings over his first two starts, Thomas threw five innings for the Pirates, allowing three unearned runs on four hits with a season-high five strikeouts. Yoelvis Reyes allowed one run on three hits over three innings while also striking out a season-high five. Samson Abernathy and Bellomy combined to throw three scoreless innings against the Mets, as Abernathy earned his first career win while Bellomy earned his first career save.

Wilson went 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and a steal, while Acuna tied for the team-high with three hits as he finished 3-for-4 with a double, a steal and two runs scored. Citta's home run was his only hit of the night, as he extended his on-base streak to 10 games.

The Pirates (6-7) will try to secure the series win on Tuesday night in the second game of the series with Kingsport. Luis Ortiz will take the mound for Bristol as he goes for his first career win. Ortiz has posted a 4.15 ERA over his first two starts while striking out seven in 8 2/3 innings.

Keep up with the Bristol Pirates online at www.bristolpiratesbaseball.com You can also follow the Pirates on Twitter @BriBucs and on their Facebook page.

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Appalachian League Stories from July 1, 2019


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