Whatley and Gonzalez Homer in Win

Hickory, NC- The Crawdads defeated the Asheville Tourists 7-1 in front of a packed LP Frans Stadium. Over 3,500 fans filled the stadium as the 'Dads evened the series at one game each.

Back-to-back doubles by Miguel Aparicio and Frainyer Chavez in the second inning gave the 'Dads a 1-0 lead. Matt Whatley sent a ball over the left field wall to make the lead three runs.
The Tourists got a run back in the third inning but still trailed by two runs. 'Dads starting pitcher Cole Winn (the Rangers' #4 prospect) pitched five frames, giving up just the one earned run and striking out four.
The Crawdads added another pair of runs in the fifth to make the score 5-1. Pedro Gonzalez hit his 19^th homerun of the season for the first run. Josh Jung drew a walk and advanced to second and third on a ground out and wild pitch. Tyreque Reed hit a sac fly bring in Jung to score.
In the bottom of the eighth, the 'Dads once again put two runs on the board and extended their lead to six runs. Miguel Aparicio hit an RBI triple and was brought in on a single by Frainyer Chavez.
The series continues tomorrow night at 5pm. It is Father/Daughter date night. Date night packages are available for $25 and include 2 game tickets and 2 meal vouchers. The first 20 fathers and daughters to sign up can also play catch on the field before the game and the first nine daughters can participate in the Field of Dreams and run out with the Crawdads for the National Anthem. Packages are available by calling (828) 322-3000. It is Church Bulletin Sunday at the ballpark and fans that bring a church bulletin to the ticket office can get a discounted $6 ticket. The 'Dads will then donate $4 from each ticket to that bulletin's respective church courtesy of PDQ. Sunday is also hospitality night and hospitality and service industry professionals can get a free ticket to the game. Family and friends can purchase additional tickets for $6.