Royals Win Home Opener 7-4 Over Mets

Burlington, N.C. - The Royals made the most of their first game in the recently renovated Burlington Athletic Stadium, pushing past the Kingsport Mets 7-4.
With two outs in the bottom of the first, Logan Porter got things rolling with a two-run double to put Burlington ahead 2-0. However, that lead did not last. Gregory Guerrero scored for Kingsport when Scott Ota grounded into a double play in the third. Then, in the top of the fourth, Cristopher Pujols knotted the game up at two with a solo shot to left-center.
From there on out, though, the Royals charged ahead. Jesus Atencio gave the team its biggest cushion with a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to make it 5-2. Maikel Garcia added another run that inning on an RBI single to make it 6-2. Jake Means followed up in the bottom of the fifth with a monster long ball to left field to make it 7-2.
The Mets did manage a couple more runs. Pujols hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth to bring in Sebastian Espino and Scott Ota plated L.A. Woodard with a single in the ninth to make it 7-4. However, that was all Kingsport could muster up in its comeback effort.
Burlington starter Angel Zerpa earned the win in his second start of the season, tossing five innings of two-run ball whie striking out four batters. Kingsport reliever Nate Peden took the loss after surrendering five runs on four hits and three walks while pitching the middle three innings.
The win moves the Royals up to 5-2, giving them the best record in the Appalachian League. With the loss, the Mets fall to 4-3.
The two teams square off again tomorrow in game two of the three game set. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. 
Single-game tickets are on sale now. Call 336-222-0223 or visit www.burlingtonroyals.com for more information.
WP - Angel Zerpa (1-0)
LP - Nate Peden (0-1)
Highlights:
Zerpa - 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Atencio - 1-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI