A bases-clearing double by first baseman Brendt Citta proved to be the difference on Friday night as the Bristol Pirates defeated Greeneville 4-2 for their first win of 2019.Shortstop Jesus Valdez started off the scoring with a one-out single to drive in center fielder Daniel Rivero and give the Pirates
A bases-clearing double by first baseman Brendt Citta proved to be the difference on Friday night as the Bristol Pirates defeated Greeneville 4-2 for their first win of 2019.
Shortstop Jesus Valdez started off the scoring with a one-out single to drive in center fielder Daniel Rivero and give the Pirates their first lead of the season. After catcher Eli Wilson drew a walk to load the bases, Brendt Citta lined a 3-2 pitch to left field for a three-run double to make it a 4-0 game.
Making his first appearance in the Pittsburgh organization, Dante Mendoza threw four scoreless innings for Bristol, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out six. Yordi Rosario came on in relief of Mendoza and fired two scoreless innings, allowing one hit while striking out two to earn the win.
The Pirates saw a trio of 2019 draft picks make their professional debuts to close out the game, as Bear Bellomy (28th round), Trey McGough (24th round) and Ryan Troutman (26th round) combined to allow two runs - one earned - on four hits while striking out four. Troutman earned his first career save after allowing one run on one hit over one inning with one strikeout.
Citta led the Pirates at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Third baseman Aaron Shackelford went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run scored, while Valdez finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
The Pirates (1-3) will go for the series win on Saturday night in Game 2 of the series. Adrian Florencio will get the start for Bristol as he makes his season debut.
Saturday night will be Superhero NIght at the ballpark. Fans are encouraged to come wearing their best superhero costume and compete in a costume judging contest. The categories will be split into children, adults and group outfits, with two prizes given out in each group for best costume and most creative costume.
