Tourists Win Thrilling Opening Night Game in Eleven Innings
Published on April 3, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Asheville Tourists News Release
ASHEVILLE - Opening Day is always a banner day for a ballplayer, but for Helder Velasquez, it was twice as nice. The Tourists' shortstop hit the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Tourists a 5-4 Opening night win against the Lexington Legends on a chilly Thirsty Thursday.
Velasquez's single came after Michael Mitchell reached second base on the 2nd throwing error of the inning against the Legends infield. After an intentional walk to Everth Cabrera, Velasquez singled over the head of the centerfielder Nicholas Moresi to score the speedy Mitchell from second and give the Tourists a win on the first night of the season. In all, it was a 3 RBI night for Velasquez. Moresi deadlocked what was turning into an easy Tourists victory with a grand slam over the right-field fence in the top of the 7th inning, stunning the crowd of 1,765 that braved chilly weather to see the opener.
Both starters pitched masterfully on Opening night, but neither man figured in the decision. For the Legends, Leandro Cespedes threw 4 innings and only gave up one run on two hits. Tourists starter Jhoulys Chacin was even more impressive, twirling six innings of one-hit, shutout baseball. Chacin also struck out four Lexington hitters in his Asheville debut.
The Tourists built up their lead in the 1st when Darrin Holcomb's two-out single plated Everth Cabrera, who walked to begin the home half of the 1st. They added to their lead in the 5th on Velasquez's first hit of the night - an RBI double to left that scored Mitchell and Cabrera.
After the Tourists gave up the 4-0 lead, their bullpen came in to slam the door shut on any potential Legends threats. Joey Williamson threw three scoreless innings to hold things tight until Craig Baker (1-0) slammed the door shut in the top of the 11th to earn the win for the Tourists. Jay Pacella (0-1) picked up the loss for the Legends.
The Tourists and Legends continue their series on Friday night with a first pitch coming at 7:05 p.m. Cory Riordan will make his first start of the year for the Tourists, while Lexington will counter with fellow righty Carlos Ladeuth. It will also be the first Ladies Night of the season at McCormick Field, sponsored by Sophie Magazine and Asheville Regional Airport.
South Atlantic League Stories from April 3, 2008
- Suns top Shorebirds in marathon opener - Hagerstown Suns
- 'Birds Fall to Suns in 14, 5-4 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Drive Fall Short Versus Intimidators, Lose 3-2 - Greenville Drive
- Riverdogs Spoil Braves Opener - Rome Emperors
- Tourists Win Thrilling Opening Night Game in Eleven Innings - Asheville Tourists
- GreenJackets Drop Season Opener - Augusta GreenJackets
- BlueClaws Drop Season Opener to Lake County - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Savannah Sand Gnats at Columbus Catfish - Columbus Catfish
- Gnats Set Roster For '08 - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Crawdads Announce 2008 Roster - Hickory Crawdads
- RiverDogs Set For Home Opener Against Savannah - Charleston RiverDogs
- Greensboro Game Notes - Greensboro Grasshoppers
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