Three Homer Inning Not Enough to Defeat Twins
July 16, 2017 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Astros News Release
Greeneville, TN - The Greeneville Astros (14-8) dropped the first game of the series against the Elizabethton Twins (15-8) despite hitting three home runs in the first inning of the game. The Twins used two four-run innings to push past the Astros and their four home runs.
After a quiet first inning by the Twins, the Astros began the contest with a different mentality. The Astros recorded a pop out and a runner caught stealing as Frankeny Fernandez was thrown out after a walk, but Adrian Tovalin and Colton Shaver both showed off their power at the plate. With two outs Tovalin and Shaver went back-to-back hitting solo home runs to left center and left field respectively. Right fielder Patrick Mathis forced his way on base via a walk only to come around and score on the third home run of the inning by Brody Westmoreland. Westmoreland's fourth home run of the year gave the Astros a 4-0 lead after one.
Looking to do some damage, Elizabethton answered right back with a four run inning of their own in the top of the third. Catcher Rainis Silva singled to start the inning and made his way to second after Andrew Bechtold walked. Greeneville starter Bryan Abreu recorded a line out for the first out of the inning, but walked the next batter to load the bases. Brent Rooker flew out to center field, but it was enough to score Elizabethton's first run of the game. Another walk loaded the bases for a second time, only for Shane Carrier to hit a bases clearing double tying the game at four through three innings.
It wouldn't be until the fifth inning when another run would cross the plate. Greeneville broke the 4-4 tie right after second baseman Reiny Beltre crushed his first home run of the year to left field. Greeneville added another run in the bottom of the seventh inning making it a two run lead. Westmoreland and Martin Figueroa both reached base and advanced to second and third after a successful sacrifice bunt. Center fielder Wilson Amador singled on a sharp liner to center field scoring Westmoreland and Amador eventually stole second base. Shortstop Cody Bohanek walked to load the bases, but an Elizabethton double play ended the threat as well as the inning.
The Twins came storming back between the eighth and ninth innings. Getting one run in the eighth, designated hitter Mark Contreras tripled only to score on a wild pitch. It wasn't until the top of the ninth inning when the Twins put up yet another four runs on the scoreboard. Following two walks and a single, Rooker cleared the bases on a double to left field. Astros pitcher Willy Collado secured the final three outs of the inning with a strikeout and a double play.
Looking for a rally, the Astros were able to put two men on base in the bottom of the ninth due to a walk and a fielding error with only one out. The Twins pitching staff was able to successfully retire the next two batters forcing fly outs and securing the 9-6 Twins victory.
Greeneville will be back on the field at Pioneer Park tomorrow night at for game two of the three game series against Elizabethton. Fans should make sure to arrive early as it will be faith night at the ballpark with a pregame concert scheduled to begin at 4:30pm. First pitch is set for 6:00pm.
The Astros are the Appalachian League affiliate of the Houston Astros. For more information, visit www.greenevilleastros.com or call (423) 638-0411.
Appalachian League Stories from July 16, 2017
- Three Homer Inning Not Enough to Defeat Twins - Greeneville Astros
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