Dash Take Pitcher’s Duel with Four-Run Ninth
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After an offensive explosion from the Spartanburgers Friday, both teams’ bats were silent for the majority of Saturday afternoon’s contest between Winston-Salem and Hub City. The ‘Burgers (26-24) blinked first in the top of the ninth, as the Dash (18-32) scored four, and eventually won by three,
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After an offensive explosion from the Spartanburgers Friday, both teams’ bats were silent for the majority of Saturday afternoon’s contest between Winston-Salem and Hub City. The ‘Burgers (26-24) blinked first in the top of the ninth, as the Dash (18-32) scored four, and eventually won by three, 4-1.
Hub City starter D.J. McCarty was at the top of his game in front of a great Fifth Third Park crowd. The right-hander stretched his scoreless inning streak to 11 straight frames after five straight without a run Saturday. McCarty struck out five in the first three innings.
The problem for the Spartanburgers was Winston-Salem's Tanner McDougal was just as good, if not better. With a fastball topping out at 100 miles-per-hour, McDougal breezed through seven scoreless innings, a new career high. The right-hander struck out eight ‘Burgers’ batters without a single walk.
McCarty and McDougal both started the game with a pair of strikeouts and a scoreless first inning. After another two-strikeout frame in the second from McCarty, Keith Jones II led off the bottom half with an infield single. A pair of groundouts moved Jones to third, but McDougal stranded Jones right there.
McCarty stuck up three more zeros before his day was done. He used a pair of double plays to get out of both the third and fifth innings. McDougal worked around a two-out double from Casey Cook in the third with a strikeout. The Winston-Salem starter added four more strikeouts before his day was done. McDougal finished with a career-high seven innings pitched without a run allowed.
Wilian Bormie matched McDougal in the sixth and seventh innings. The first reliever for Hub City struck out three in two scoreless innings.
The Spartanburgers had a chance against Winston-Salem reliever Phil Fox (W, 2-1) in the eighth. After a leadoff single from Quincy Scott, the ‘Burgers moved Scott to third before a groundout ended the threat.
Seth Clark (L, 0-3) worked a one-two-three eighth inning for Hub City. In the ninth, a pair of walks and a fielding error loaded the bases for the Dash with one out. Clark struck out Arxy Hernandez for the second out. On a slow bouncer from Jackson Appel, Clark threw the ball up the line for an error that allowed two runs to score. Alec Makarewicz followed up with a two-run double to put Winston-Salem up 4-0 in a hurry. Joey Danielson entered to end the threat.
After the crooked number from the Dash in the top of the ninth, Gleider Figuereo ripped a first pitch fastball over the right field fence in the bottom, sending a surge through a quiet crowd. Figuereo’s team-best ninth home run cut the Winston-Salem lead to three. The next three Spartanburgers went down in order.
Hub City’s final chance for a series split comes tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. ET. RHP Jose Gonzalez (0-4, 3.00 ERA) and LHP Lucas Gordon toe the rubber for their respective clubs. The Spartanburgers see Gordon for the second time after he pitched 3 2/3 innings on Tuesday.
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.
‘Burgers Fall Inches Short on Friday Night
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
Wilmington scores seven in first two innings
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Wilmington stunned Hub City ace David Davalillo early and rode seven runs through the first two innings to an 8-0 victory Friday night. The Blue Rocks (28-33) have won four straight games to start the series; the Spartanburgers (30-31) are now two and-a-half games out of first
Oat Milkers’ Comeback Falls Short after Sixth Inning Struggles
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After a tumultuous sixth inning, the Spartanburgers, playing as the Malmo Oat Milkers, launched a slow but sure comeback against the Blue Rocks. Hub City (30-30) left the tying run at third base and the winning run on second in the bottom of the ninth in a
Spartanburgers Fall to Blue Rocks in Extras for Second Straight Night
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Spartanburgers and Blue Rocks needed extra innings for the second straight night. Just like Tuesday, Wilmington (26-33) pulled out a one-run victory, 6-5, over Hub City (30-28). Cal Stark and Gleider Figuereo both mashed solo home runs. Figuereo became the first Spartanburger with double-digit home runs
Extra-Innings Pitchers Duel Goes Wilmington’s Way
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The first game of the series between Hub City and Wilmington featured plenty of zeros. In a contest devoid of offense until extras, the Blue Rocks (25-33) beat the Spartanburgers (30-28) by a 2-1 final score in 11 innings. Both teams were scoreless until the final frame.
Dreiling and Stark Reunited by Rangers after Shortest Goodbye
For two years, Cal Stark and Dylan Dreiling formed a “one of a kind” friendship as teammates at Tennessee. After winning a national championship with the Vols, it was time to say goodbye. But goodbye only lasted 24 hours. In 2023, Dreiling and Stark both landed on Rocky Top for
City of Spartanburg Partners with Hub City Spartanburgers to Host Red, White & Boom at Fifth Third Park
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The City of Spartanburg, in partnership with the Hub City Spartanburgers, is pleased to announce the 2025 Red, White & Boom Independence Day festival, to be held on Friday, July 4 at Fifth Third Park in Downtown Spartanburg. “We’re excited for this opportunity to partner with the
Spartanburgers’ Keith Jones II Named South Atlantic League Player of the Week
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Minor League Baseball and the South Atlantic League have named Hub City Spartanburgers outfielder Keith Jones II as the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the week of June 2–8. Jones is the first Hub City position player to win a SAL honor. “Keith’s consistency
‘Burgers Drop Series Finale in Greensboro
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Early offense came in droves on a sunny Sunday at First National Bank Field as the Greensboro Grasshoppers (37-18) out-blasted the Hub City Spartanburgers (30-27) by a 9-4 final to even the series at three games apiece. Five home runs, two of which were hit by Spartanburgers,
Spartanburgers Prevail Past Rain to win Saturday Night
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
Grasshoppers Win on Rain-Shortened Friday
GREENSBORO, N.C. — After six and a half innings at First National Bank Field, the skies opened, and shortly after, a 2-1 ballgame ended. Greensboro (36-18) beat Hub City (29-26) Friday night to even the series at two games apiece. Hub City got five more quality innings from starter David
‘Burgers Load up for Four Home Runs in 7-4 Win
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Hub City flipped the script Thursday against the team with the most home runs in the South Atlantic League, taking down Greensboro 7-4. Four separate Spartanburgers home runs powered the offense, while Josh Trentadue and Kolton Curtis (W, 2-1) combined for all nine innings on the mound
Spartanburgers’ David Davalillo Named South Atlantic League May Pitcher of the Month
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Minor League Baseball and the South Atlantic League have tabbed Spartanburgers pitcher David Davalillo as the league’s May Pitcher of the Month. In five May appearances, the right-hander led all qualified High-A hurlers with a 0.96 ERA and struck out 35 batters. “David has earned every bit