Astros fall to Blue Jays in season opener

Bluefield, WV - The Greeneville Astros visited the Bluefield Blue Jays on Thursday night in the season opener for the Appalachian League. Bluefield took a 2-0 lead in the second inning at Bowen Field before adding three more runs on a base-clearing triple in the bottom of the eighth for a 5-0 win.

Astros' centerfielder Marc Wik led off the game with a double, but Greeneville was unable to turn the hit into any runs. 

Bluefield got their first hit in the bottom of the second inning when Jorge Saez connected on a line drive double to left field. Consecutive base hits by Mitch Nay and Matthew Dean plated a run apiece to put the Blue Jays up 2-0.

Good pitching and defense for both teams ensued over the next several innings as the score remained the same until the Blue Jays tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the eighth. Following two singles and a walk, Eric Arce hit a line drive for a triple to clear the bases and give Bluefield the victory in their home and season opener.

Bluefield starter Chase DeJong earned the win as he went 5.0 innings, gave up six hits and struck out two. Shane Dawson followed with 4.0 scoreless innings and picked up the save.

Greeneville will visit Bluefield in game two of the three-game series on Friday. First pitch is set for 7:05pm. For more information on the Greeneville Astros please call (423) 638-0411.