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Spartanburgers Prevail Past Rain to win Saturday Night 

Keith Jones II launches home run in five-hour game
June 8, 2025

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Nearly five hours after first pitch, Hub City (30-26) prevailed over Greensboro (36-19) with a 7-4 final. The game was dragged out by a two hour rain delay that put a pause on the action in the eighth inning. Luis Marquez continued his hot start to his

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Nearly five hours after first pitch, Hub City (30-26) prevailed over Greensboro (36-19) with a 7-4 final. The game was dragged out by a two hour rain delay that put a pause on the action in the eighth inning.

Luis Marquez continued his hot start to his Spartanburgers tenure. Hub City’s second baseman contributed a single and sacrifice fly Friday and followed up with two singles and three RBIs Saturday. Through two games, Marquez is 3-for-4 with four runs driven in.

Greensboro opened the scoring in the bottom of the third. The Grasshoppers took advantage of a couple of free passes from ‘Burgers’ starter D.J. McCarty and plated a run on an RBI groundout.

Hub City responded with a crooked number in the in the top of the fourth. Three walks and two singles led to three runs. Casey Cook drove in Anthony Gutierrez, then Marquez poked an opposite-field knock to score Cook and Quincy Scott. The Spartanburgers led 3-1 after Marquez’s single and would be frontrunners the rest of the way.

Defense helped finish off the final inning of McCarty’s day. After the first two Grasshoppers reached base in the fourth, first baseman Arturo Disla erased the lead runner at third on a bunt. The next batter, Kalae Harrison, lined out to Disla who doubled off the runner at first to finish the frame.

Hub City continued to pile on offense in the fifth. Back-to-back singles from Gutierrez and Cook had runners at the corners with one out for Cal Stark. Stark stung a ball to the wall in left; Gutierrez tagged and scored to up the Spartanburgers advantage to three.

Eric Loomis silenced the Grasshoppers bats in the fifth and sixth. The first Hub City reliever of the day did not give up a hit and tallied four strikeouts, three of them looking. The Spartanburgers piled on with their at-bats in the sixth. A walk, hit batter and wild pitch put two in scoring position before an out was recorded. Marquez grounded out to score the lead runner. Keith Jones II followed it up with a screaming two-run home run to right.

Hub City’s Mailon Felix and Greensboro’s Ryan Harbin traded scoreless innings in the seventh. After the Spartanburgers were held scoreless in the eighth, the game was put on hold due to rain for two hours.

At around 11:00 p.m., the contest resumed with Joey Danielson on the mound. He gave up a home run to Omar Alfonzo to start the bottom of the eighth, cutting the lead to 7-2. After five straight outs for Danielson, the Grasshoppers rallied in the ninth. A double, walk and error ended the night for Danielson an out shy of victory. Seth Clark (S, 3) came in and gave up a two-run hit to Alfonzo. A groundout finally put an end to a third win of the week for Hub City.

The series finale between Hub City and Greensboro begins at 2:00 p.m. ET Sunday. Right-handers Jose Gonzalez (1-4, 2.50 ERA) and Hung-Leng Chang (3-2, 5.75 ERA) face off on the hill.

About the Hub City Spartanburgers

The Hub City Spartanburgers are in their inaugural season as the High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. For more information on the Spartanburgers, visit milb.com/hub-city. For information about tickets to any of Hub City’s 66 home games, call 864-658-4206 or email: tickets@hcspartanburgers.com For media inquiries, email: iunsworth@hcspartanburgers.com. Follow along with the Spartanburgers on social media.

Pitching Proves the Difference in Second Straight Spartanburgers Win 

Curtis returns from injury, MacLean lasts five innings out of ‘pen
July 10, 2025

Pitching Proves the Difference in Second Straight Spartanburgers Win Curtis returns from injury, MacLean lasts five innings out of ‘pen ROME, Ga. — For the second straight day, Hub City (11-7, 42-41) limited Rome (7-10, 36-46) to just one run offensively. On the backs on the strong pitching performance, the

‘Burgers Win One-Run Showdown

Taylor blasts first MiLB home run
July 9, 2025

ROME, Ga. — After an hour rain delay, the Spartanburgers and Emperors were locked in another low-scoring affair. Hub City (10-7, 41-41) held on for a 2-1 win over Rome (7-9, 36-45). The Spartanburgers got their runs in vastly different ways; John Taylor blasted a solo homer, and Anthony Gutierrez

Emperors Slow Down Red-Hot Spartanburgers 

Lopez tosses five scoreless, Rome offense attacks ‘pen
July 8, 2025

ROME, Ga. — After five straight wins to finish last week, the Spartanburgers (9-7, 40-41) offense never got going against the Rome Emperors (7-8, 36-44). Rome tossed its 10th shutout of the season in a 4-0 win. Leandro Lopez provided the Spartanburgers with five scoreless frames to start the game.

Gonzalez’s Strong Seven Innings Lead to Victory 

Hub City reaches season-high five-game winning streak
July 6, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Spartanburgers (9-6, 40-40) finished off Fourth of July week with a flourish, winning five straight games over the Winston-Salem Dash (4-11, 29-51). Jose Gonzalez (W, 2-6) capped off the series finale with a seven inning, one run performance. The Spartanburgers’ offense pushed enough runs across against

Hub City Claims Series Win with 6-1 Saturday Victory 

Figuereo salts game away with 14th big fly
July 5, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After an offensive explosion to finish Friday’s win, the Spartanburgers (8-6, 39-40) started out hot on Saturday against the Dash (4-10, 29-50). Two runs in the first proved to be enough for Hub City in a 6-1 win to claim the series. Gleider Figuereo pounded another home

Big Eighth Inning Fuels Hub City on July Fourth 

Figuereo grand slam puts ‘Burgers on top
July 4, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Through five innings on the Fourth of July, Jake Bockenstedt had a perfect game going against the Spartanburgers. The fireworks came late as Hub City (7-6, 38-40) woke up offensively to beat Winston-Salem (4-9, 29-49), 10-5. Hub City put together a season-best eight-run eighth inning; half of

Spartanburgers Head Home with Series Lead

Hub City wins marathon in extra innings
July 4, 2025

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Spartanburgers carried a two-run lead into the bottom of the ninth on Thursday evening against the Dash. Hub City (6-6, 37-40) had to escape the ninth inning just to force extras against Winston-Salem (4-8, 29-48). After six combined runs in the tenth, Hub City pulled out

Former Spartanburgers Outfielder Keith Jones II Named SAL Player of the Month

Jones posts 1.054 OPS in red-hot stretch
July 3, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — MiLB and the South Atlantic League have named former Spartanburgers outfielder Keith Jones II June SAL Player of the Month. Jones, who was promoted to Double-A Frisco on July 1, posted a 1.054 OPS and clocked five home runs in 24 games. “Keith is extremely deserving of

Hub City and Winston-Salem Split First Two 

'Burgers bounce back after dropping game one
July 2, 2025

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Spartanburgers and Dash only made it to the top of the third inning in the series opener on Tuesday before rain caused a suspension. The Spartanburgers carried a 4-3 lead into the resumption of the first game of the series on Wednesday, but Hub City failed

Series Opener at Winston-Salem Postponed 

‘Burgers and Dash to resume top third tomorrow
July 1, 2025

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Spartanburgers and Dash were primed for an exciting start to the July Fourth week, but Mother Nature put a damper on the fun. After plenty of offense through the first two innings and change, Hub City (4-5, 35-39) and Winston-Salem (3-6, 28-46) were forced to pause

Scott and Taylor Spearhead Spartanburgers’ Sunday Walk-Off 

Burgers split series thanks to three-run ninth
June 29, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — With two outs remaining in the ninth, the Spartanburgers were at risk of dropping their first six-game set of the second half of the season. Trailing by two, the offense flipped the script. Hub City (4-5, 35-39) took down Aberdeen (4-5, 28-46) by a 5-4 final thanks

‘Burgers Drop Saturday’s Low-Scoring Affair 

Aberdeen uses small ball to clinch series split
June 28, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Hub City struck first, but Aberdeen battled back with a small-ball approach to grab a Saturday win. The IronBirds (4-4, 28-45), fueled by six stolen bases, six singles and seven walks, beat the Spartanburgers (3-5, 34-39) at Fifth Third Park, 3-1. After a clean first frame from

‘Burgers Fall Inches Short on Friday Night 

Cook knocks first four-hit game in Hub City history
June 27, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Aberdeen IronBirds (3-4, 27-45) snuck out of Fifth Third Park with a 6-5 win Friday night over the Hub City Spartanburgers (3-4, 33-38). The IronBirds executed a perfect relay from right field to cut down the potential tying run at the plate and end the game

Figuereo’s Walk-Off Blast Splits Thursday Twin Bill 

Hub City wins game two 4-3, leads series 2-1
June 26, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — With 14 innings total already in the books, the Spartanburgers and IronBirds needed extras in game two of Thursday’s doubleheader, over four hours after first pitch of game one. Luckily for Hub City (3-3, 34-37), Gleider Figuereo was not in the mood to play a 16th inning

Rain Forces Wednesday Night Postponement 

Spartanburgers and IronBirds to play Thursday doubleheader
June 25, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After a scorching afternoon, grey clouds rolled over Fifth Third Park about 30 minutes before scheduled first pitch between the Spartanburgers (2-2, 33-36) and the Aberdeen IronBirds (1-3, 25-44). The tarp was rolled onto the field prior to the 6:35 p.m. scheduled start time, and the game

Hub City Holds on for Series-Opening Win against Aberdeen 

Moore 2-for-4 in return from injury
June 24, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After a late return Sunday from Bowling Green, the Spartanburgers had an early 11:05 a.m. ET first pitch Tuesday against a North Division foe. Hub City (2-2, 33-36) beat the Aberdeen IronBirds (1-3, 25-44) 4-3 to kick off a six-game home series. Rangers No. 2 prospect Malcolm

The Motor of the Hub City: Why Professional Baseball Returned to Spartanburg 

June 23, 2025

This article was originally published in the June 2025 edition of the Texas Rangers magazine.

Bats Wake up for ‘Burgers to Finish Week in Bowling Green 

Hub City scores seven in final two innings
June 22, 2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After dominant pitching for seven innings, the Spartanburgers (1-2, 32-36) offense came alive in the final two innings to take Sunday’s series finale 8-2 against the Hot Rods (2-1, 36-31). Jose Gonzalez provided Hub City an excellent chance to salvage the final game of the series.

Late Offense Carries Bowling Green to Comfortable Win 

Jones leads off game with home run
June 22, 2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Spartanburgers got off to an early lead on Saturday evening. Keith Jones II blasted a first pitch home run to put Hub City (0-2, 31-36) in front. Bowling Green (2-0, 36-30) responded with seven unanswered runs to take game four 7-1. Hub City lefty starter

Offensive Battle Goes Bowling Green’s Way  

Two Hub City homers not enough to start second half
June 20, 2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After conceding five runs in the first inning, Hub City battled back to tie Friday night’s game in the seventh. The Hot Rods (1-0, 35-30) powered their way to seven late runs to take down the Spartanburgers (0-1, 31-35) in game three of the series, 12-5.

Spartanburgers Even Series at Bowling Green 

Dreiling blasts first home run since return from injury
June 19, 2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After rain ruined the possibilities of game two, the Spartanburgers (31-34) snapped their eight-game losing streak on Thursday with a 3-1 win at Bowling Green (34-30). Hub City used three straight baserunners to get on the board first in the fourth. Dylan Dreiling followed it up

Game Two Between ‘Burgers and Hot Rods Washed Out

Bowling Green Wins SAL First Half Title
June 18, 2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Spartanburgers (30-34) and Hot Rods (34-29) never got started on Wednesday in Kentucky. The game began in a delay, and a lengthy storm cell led to the game’s cancellation about two hours after scheduled first pitch. Since tonight’s game was canceled and Greenville lost to

Walk-off Grand Slam Lifts Bowling Green in Game One 

Brock hits first home run of the season in defeat
June 17, 2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Headed into the final three games of the first half, the Spartanburgers lost any chance of winning the division in the first half. Meanwhile, the Bowling Green Hot Rods held a half-game advantage on the Greenville Drive. Bowling Green (34-29) picked up a critical 7-3 win

Late ‘Burgers Rally Falls Short on Sunday 

Gonzalez tosses career-high seven innings
June 15, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Offense was again hard to come by on Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Park. The Spartanburgers (30-33) fell to the Wilmington Blue Rocks (30-33), 3-2. Wilmington completed a series sweep, claiming five of the six games by just a single run. Jose Gonzalez (L, 1-6) handled most

Wilmington Wins Another One-Run Contest Saturday 

‘Burgers lose sixth straight
June 14, 2025

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Most of the contests between Wilmington and Hub City this week have been decided by slim margins. Saturday was no different as the Blue Rocks (29-33) beat the Spartanburgers (30-32) by one run, 3-2, for the fourth time this week. Hub City went two-for-nine with runners in