Ashetros Battle Braves but Fall 9-5

ASHEVILLE- The Asheville Ashetros fell to the Rome Braves 9-5 on Friday night in front of a sold-out McCormick Field crowd. Both teams battled throughout but the Braves used a five-run fifth inning followed up by two more runs in the sixth to put the contest out of reach.

After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Asheros rallied to take a 2-1 lead in the bottom half. Chad Stevens hit an RBI double and Joey Loperfido followed with an RBI single. Asheville’s starting pitcher, Ryan Gusto, retired 11 in a row to keep the Ashetros in front through the fourth inning.

Asheville’s offense applied pressure in every inning; however, Rome used four double-plays to keep the Ashetros from adding to their lead. In the top of the fifth, the visitors used a solo Home Run to tie the game. Later in the frame, the Braves received a two-run single followed by a two-run Homer. Rome added two more in the sixth to take an 8-2 lead.

The Ashetros mounted a rally in the bottom of the seventh inning and Justin Williams delivered with a three-run double to centerfield. An infield single by Kenedy Corona brought the tying run to the plate but the Rome escaped the inning without any further damage.

Ernesto Jaquez pitched well out of the bullpen with three innings pitched down the stretch. Zach Daniels finished the contest 3-for-4 with a walk. Asheville outhit Rome 14-10 in the game; however, the Braves used timely hits to earn the win.

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