Senzatela Sensational, Prime Blasts off as Tourists Handle Suns 7-1
Published on May 23, 2014 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Asheville Tourists News Release
Asheville, NC-- Antonio Senzatela was one out away from a complete game shutout and Correlle Prime launched two Home Runs in the Tourists 7-1 victory over the Hagerstown Suns Thursday night. Asheville's starting pitcher had everything working and if not for one pitch left up in the zone while looking for out number 27, Senzatela would have finished off his gem.
Prime led off the scoring with a second inning solo blast down the right field line to put Asheville in front 1-0. The game remained that way as Senzatela and Hector Silvestre battled back and forth. In the top of the sixth, Asheville finally broke through in a big way.
With one out, David Dahl doubled and Zach Osborne followed with a bunt single. After Osborne stole second, Wilfredo Rodriguez walked to load the bases. Ryan McMahon then singled to center making it 2-0 and set the stage for Prime to shine. With the bases loaded, the Tourists first baseman crushed Silvestre's offering over the right-centerfield wall for a Grand Slam and in the blink of an eye the Tourists lead was 6-0.
Asheville added one more in the top of the eighth on a two-out RBI single by Jose Briceno, but all eyes were on Senzatela to see if he could finish what he started. Antonio entered the bottom of the ninth having allowed only two hits; a second inning double by Carlos Lopez and a sixth inning blooper single by Wilmer Difo.
The bottom of the ninth started and Senzatela was sitting at 80 pitches. The right-hander induced a weak fly out to center from Isaac Ballou, one away. The next batter, Difo, popped out to short, two away. With one out remaining and a complete game, two-hit shutout in reach, Antonio worked a 1-1 count to Suns' catcher Craig Maunel. The next pitch, a change-up, was left up in the zone and Manuel connected for a solo Home Run to right field.
Tourists' Manager Fred Ocasio came out and shook Senzatela's hand while calling to the bullpen. Senzatela received a pat on the back from all of his teammates and a standing ovation from the visiting crowd. Troy Neiman retired the next batter to end the game. The final line for Senzatela; 8.2 innings pitched, three hits, one run, two strikeouts, and only one walk.
Prime finished 2-for-4 with two Home Runs and five RBI, while Dahl, McMahon, and Briceno each had two hits. The Tourists and the Suns play game two on Friday night at 7:05pm.
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- Senzatela Sensational, Prime Blasts off as Tourists Handle Suns 7-1 - Asheville Tourists
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