Despite strong hitting, Astros fall short in extra innings
Both teams went scoreless in the first two frames before the Cardinals got the scoring started in the top of the third. After loading the bases with two outs, Cardinals first baseman Jeremy Schaffer doubled to center field to score three runs for Johnson City.
Greeneville, however, was able answer quickly by plating two runs of their own in the bottom of the third. After a double by third baseman Angel Ibanez and a sacrifice fly by Jose Monzon, D'Andre Toney was able to drive in Ibanez on a single for the first Greeneville run of the night. Toney was later driven in by catcher Ernesto Genoves, and the score through three innings was 3-2 in favor of Johnson City.
The Astros were able to hold Johnson City scoreless through their half of the fourth inning and get back on the board in the bottom half to take the lead. The two runs of the inning for the Astros came via an Ibanez single to score Ariel Ovando and a single by D'Andre Toney to score Jimmy Howick. The score then stood at 4-3 in favor of Greeneville.
The fifth inning went scoreless, but Johnson City was able to tie the game at 4-4 in the top of the sixth when Ronard Castillo tripled to drive in Jeremy Schaffer from first. The score would continue to remain even for the first nine frames.
In extra innings, both teams went quietly until the 11th inning when Johnson City plated the go-ahead runs. Cardinals left fielder Ronard Castillo was able to score from first after a single by Bruce Caldwell and a fielding error by the Astros in the outfield. Caldwell was later able to score on a passed ball to notch the final run of the game.
The Astros will host Johnson City in game two of the series tomorrow night at Pioneer Park. First pitch is set for 7:00 pm. For more information regarding the Greeneville Astros, please call (423) 638-0411.