Astros shutout by Braves, 4-0
Greeneville, TN - The Greeneville Astros (28-32) fell behind the Danville Braves (29-29) early on Wednesday night and were never able to recover on their way to a 4-0 loss.
In the first inning, the Braves got a runner on base and over to second on a fielding error. Then, Brett Cumberland hit a ground ball single into centerfield to score the run.
The very next inning, Cristian Pache leadoff with a single for the Braves before Elias Arias brought him home on a double to left field. Then, after Elias advanced to third on a groundout, he scored on another Astros fielding error to put the Braves up 3-0.
The Braves' final score came in the fourth inning. With runners at first and third following a walk and a single, Alex Lee drove in the run on a line drive single into right field.
The Astros finished the night with seven hits, just one less than Danville. However, they were unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position.
Carlos Machado led the way for the Astros with a two-for-four night. Meanwhile, Frankeny Fernandez extended his team-high on-base streak to 21 games with a walk in the first inning.
Lupe Chavez, who was acquired by the Astros organization in the Scott Feldman trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, made his Greeneville debut in relief of Astros' starting pitcher Ricardo Castro in the sixth inning. The 18-year-old, who joined the club from the Gulf Coast League Astros two days prior, went on to pitch three and two-thirds scoreless innings while allowing three hits, two walks, and striking out four.
Braves' starter Joey Wentz (1-3) picked up the win. He pitched five scoreless innings and gave up four hits and three walks while also collecting seven strikeouts.
The Astros will take on the Braves in game two of the series on Thursday night at 7:00pm. Left-hander Ben Smith will take the mound for the Astros as Jeremy Walker will get the start for the Braves.
The Astros are the Appalachian League affiliate of the Houston Astros. For more information, call (423) 638-0411.