Rockers Edge Gastonia 3-2
June 4, 2021 - Atlantic League (AtL)
High Point Rockers News Release
HIGH POINT, N.C. - The High Point Rockers defeated the Gastonia Honey Hunters in a 3-2 nailbiter on Friday night at Truist Point.
For the second straight start, Luke Westphal looked every bit the ace of the Rockers' staff, pitching five and two-thirds innings of scoreless ball. While he walked four batters for the second consecutive start, Westphal (1-0) limited the damage by allowing only three hits and striking out six.
The Rockers opened the scoring in the third inning when Logan Morrison lofted a high fly ball to medium center field, but Boog Powell misplayed the ball in the sun, allowing Adam Taylor to score. Three batters later, Stuart Levy laced a single that scored two more runs, making it 3-0.
Gastonia threatened in the sixth, when Westphal walked the bases loaded, but Kyle Halbohn came on in relief and struck out Josh Sale before Adrian Gomez bounced out to short to end the inning.
Once again, the Rockers had their chances to pull away, as Honey Hunters' starter William Kirwan (0-1) walked seven batters on the evening but was able to consistently work himself out of trouble, ultimately only allowing three runs (two earned) in six innings of work.
In the eighth, the Honey Hunters finally got on the scoreboard off Rockers' reliever Brian Clark. An RBI double by Miles Williams scored Jason Rogers, and Jake Skole scored on Sale's sacrifice fly, cutting the Rockers' lead to 3-2. But Clark would bear down, striking out Adrian Gomez and pitcher Jamie Callahan to strand Williams at third base.
Looking for the save in the ninth, Nefi Ogando began the inning by surrendering a hit to catcher Ermindo Escobar, who was lifted for pinch-runner Jordan Howard. After recording two outs, Ogando intentionally walked Rogers and Skole, bringing Williams back up to the plate with the bases loaded and the tying run on third. With a 1-2 count, Williams hit a soft ground ball back to the mound, where Ogando (1 save) fielded it and tossed it to catcher Logan Moore to end the threat and the game.
The Rockers and Honey Hunters return to action Saturday night at 7:05 at Truist Point, following the opening day of the High Point furniture market. Tickets are available at www.highpointrockers.com.
Atlantic League Stories from June 4, 2021
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- Blue Crabs Silence Ducks in Sellout Home Opener - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
- Rockers Edge Gastonia 3-2 - High Point Rockers
- Reed K's Seven, But Ducks Blanked by Blue Crabs - Long Island Ducks
- Barnstormers Sign Ex-Twin Moya - Lancaster Stormers
- Revs Annihilate Honey Hunters in Series Finale, 20-5 - York Revolution
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