Spartanburgers Hold On for 7-6 Wednesday Win
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Hub City struck early and often Wednesday, and after blowing a late lead the day prior, survived a nervy ending. The Spartanburgers (25-22) snatched a 7-6 win away from the Winston Salem Dash (16-31) at Fifth Third Park. The Dash had the tying and go-ahead runs on
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Hub City struck early and often Wednesday, and after blowing a late lead the day prior, survived a nervy ending. The Spartanburgers (25-22) snatched a 7-6 win away from the Winston Salem Dash (16-31) at Fifth Third Park. The Dash had the tying and go-ahead runs on board in the top of the ninth, but Adonis Villavicencio closed the door for his first High-A save.
Gleider Figuereo blasted his team-leading eighth long ball of the season to put the Spartanburgers in the lead; although that lead was challenged, it wouldn’t be overtaken. Figuereo, Dylan Dreiling and Julian Brock all put together multi-hit games. Theo Hardy reached base all four times he came to the plate.
Hub City starter Aidan Curry, who struck out six in four innings of work, only allowed one run on three hits and two walks. Joey Danielson (W, 2-1) pitched a scoreless sixth inning. Winston-Salem's offense whittled down the Spartanburgers’ lead, but Villavicencio (S, 1) closed the game out.
Hub City struck early against Winston Salem’s southpaw starter Christian Oppor (L, 0-2). Casey Cook and Dreiling started the ‘Burger at-bats with back-to-back singles, then executed a double steal. Figuereo was hit by a pitch to load the bases, then Anthony Gutierrez hit a line drive to short. Dash shortstop Jeral Perez made the snag but threw the ball away attempting to double up Dreiling at second base. Cook sped home on the throwing error to guide the Spartanburgers to an early 1-0 lead.
The Dash responded in the top of the second, as Alec Makarewicz singled Matt Hogan home to tie the contest at one run apiece. But the Spartanburgers answered and retook the lead with a solo shot from Figuereo which scraped the Spartanburg sky and cleared the right field fence.
Oppor’s outing ended in the bottom of the fourth. After allowing a walk and a hit, the left-hander gave way to Winston-Salem bullpen arm Connery Peters, who promptly ceded an RBI single to Hardy, and two batters later, a two-RBI triple to Dreiling. Peters gave up another run in the fifth on two walks and a fielders’ choice. Hub City led, 6-1, after five frames.
Against lefty Dylan MacLean, Winston-Salem got a run back in the sixth after Matt Hogan led the inning off with a triple. The Dash tacked on two more runs in the seventh, capitalizing on a dropped popup. With two outs, Jeral Perez mashed his 11th home run of the season to put Winston-Salem back within two runs.
The two teams traded runs in the eighth. Jordan Sprinkle knocked a sacrifice fly to cut the lead to one. Josh Mollerus then stranded the tying run in scoring position. Hub City rebuilt their lead in the bottom half when Casey Cook walked with the bases loaded.
Mollerus returned to the mound in the ninth, but Cole McConnell led the inning off with a solo home run. Villavicencio took the spot of Mollerus in trying to record the final three outs. After a pair of groundouts, a hit batter and single put the tying run at third base for the Dash. Villavicencio struk out Wes Kath to seal the victory.
Hub City and Winston-Salem split the first two games of the series. Game three is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET on Thursday. The Spartanburgers are expected to start RHP Kolton Curtis (1-1, 4.76 ERA) while the Dash are set to send LHP Frankeli Arias (1-1, 5.40 ERA) to the mound.
About the Hub City Spartanburgers
The Hub City Spartanburgers are in their inaugural season as the High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. For more information on the Spartanburgers, visit milb.com/hub-city. For information about tickets to any of Hub City’s 66 home games, call 864-658-4206 or email: tickets@hcspartanburgers.com For media inquiries, email: iunsworth@hcspartanburgers.com. Follow along with the Spartanburgers on social media.
Hub City Pitching Bounces Back for Series Win
ROME, Ga. — After conceding 10 runs on Saturday night, the Hub City Spartanburgers (13-8, 44-42) shut down the Rome Emperors (8-12, 37-48) 3-1 on Sunday. With the win, the Spartanburgers claimed a second straight series victory. Jose Gonzalez (W, 3-6) got Hub City off to a great start. The
Hub City Shut Out Saturday
ROME, Ga. — The Hub City Spartanburgers (12-8, 43-42) were handled by the Rome Emperors (8-11, 37-47) Saturday at AdventHealth Stadium. Rome cruised to a 10-0 win thanks to six hitless innings from starter Adam Maier (W, 4-7) and a big second inning against Mason Molina (L, 0-2). Maier hit
Early Blasts Guide 'Burgers to Lopsided Victory
ROME, Ga. — Hub City struck early and often in a 10-2 win over Rome Friday night. The Spartanburgers (12-7, 43-41) swatted two homers in the first two innings on the way to their third straight victory over the Emperors (7-11, 36-46) to clinch at least a share of the
Pitching Proves the Difference in Second Straight Spartanburgers Win
Pitching Proves the Difference in Second Straight Spartanburgers Win Curtis returns from injury, MacLean lasts five innings out of ‘pen ROME, Ga. — For the second straight day, Hub City (11-7, 42-41) limited Rome (7-10, 36-46) to just one run offensively. On the backs on the strong pitching performance, the
‘Burgers Win One-Run Showdown
ROME, Ga. — After an hour rain delay, the Spartanburgers and Emperors were locked in another low-scoring affair. Hub City (10-7, 41-41) held on for a 2-1 win over Rome (7-9, 36-45). The Spartanburgers got their runs in vastly different ways; John Taylor blasted a solo homer, and Anthony Gutierrez
Emperors Slow Down Red-Hot Spartanburgers
ROME, Ga. — After five straight wins to finish last week, the Spartanburgers (9-7, 40-41) offense never got going against the Rome Emperors (7-8, 36-44). Rome tossed its 10th shutout of the season in a 4-0 win. Leandro Lopez provided the Spartanburgers with five scoreless frames to start the game.
Gonzalez’s Strong Seven Innings Lead to Victory
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Spartanburgers (9-6, 40-40) finished off Fourth of July week with a flourish, winning five straight games over the Winston-Salem Dash (4-11, 29-51). Jose Gonzalez (W, 2-6) capped off the series finale with a seven inning, one run performance. The Spartanburgers’ offense pushed enough runs across against
Hub City Claims Series Win with 6-1 Saturday Victory
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After an offensive explosion to finish Friday’s win, the Spartanburgers (8-6, 39-40) started out hot on Saturday against the Dash (4-10, 29-50). Two runs in the first proved to be enough for Hub City in a 6-1 win to claim the series. Gleider Figuereo pounded another home
Big Eighth Inning Fuels Hub City on July Fourth
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Through five innings on the Fourth of July, Jake Bockenstedt had a perfect game going against the Spartanburgers. The fireworks came late as Hub City (7-6, 38-40) woke up offensively to beat Winston-Salem (4-9, 29-49), 10-5. Hub City put together a season-best eight-run eighth inning; half of
Spartanburgers Head Home with Series Lead
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Spartanburgers carried a two-run lead into the bottom of the ninth on Thursday evening against the Dash. Hub City (6-6, 37-40) had to escape the ninth inning just to force extras against Winston-Salem (4-8, 29-48). After six combined runs in the tenth, Hub City pulled out
Former Spartanburgers Outfielder Keith Jones II Named SAL Player of the Month
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — MiLB and the South Atlantic League have named former Spartanburgers outfielder Keith Jones II June SAL Player of the Month. Jones, who was promoted to Double-A Frisco on July 1, posted a 1.054 OPS and clocked five home runs in 24 games. “Keith is extremely deserving of
Hub City and Winston-Salem Split First Two
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Spartanburgers and Dash only made it to the top of the third inning in the series opener on Tuesday before rain caused a suspension. The Spartanburgers carried a 4-3 lead into the resumption of the first game of the series on Wednesday, but Hub City failed
Series Opener at Winston-Salem Postponed
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Spartanburgers and Dash were primed for an exciting start to the July Fourth week, but Mother Nature put a damper on the fun. After plenty of offense through the first two innings and change, Hub City (4-5, 35-39) and Winston-Salem (3-6, 28-46) were forced to pause
Scott and Taylor Spearhead Spartanburgers’ Sunday Walk-Off
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — With two outs remaining in the ninth, the Spartanburgers were at risk of dropping their first six-game set of the second half of the season. Trailing by two, the offense flipped the script. Hub City (4-5, 35-39) took down Aberdeen (4-5, 28-46) by a 5-4 final thanks
‘Burgers Drop Saturday’s Low-Scoring Affair
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Hub City struck first, but Aberdeen battled back with a small-ball approach to grab a Saturday win. The IronBirds (4-4, 28-45), fueled by six stolen bases, six singles and seven walks, beat the Spartanburgers (3-5, 34-39) at Fifth Third Park, 3-1. After a clean first frame from
‘Burgers Fall Inches Short on Friday Night
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Aberdeen IronBirds (3-4, 27-45) snuck out of Fifth Third Park with a 6-5 win Friday night over the Hub City Spartanburgers (3-4, 33-38). The IronBirds executed a perfect relay from right field to cut down the potential tying run at the plate and end the game
Figuereo’s Walk-Off Blast Splits Thursday Twin Bill
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — With 14 innings total already in the books, the Spartanburgers and IronBirds needed extras in game two of Thursday’s doubleheader, over four hours after first pitch of game one. Luckily for Hub City (3-3, 34-37), Gleider Figuereo was not in the mood to play a 16th inning
Rain Forces Wednesday Night Postponement
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After a scorching afternoon, grey clouds rolled over Fifth Third Park about 30 minutes before scheduled first pitch between the Spartanburgers (2-2, 33-36) and the Aberdeen IronBirds (1-3, 25-44). The tarp was rolled onto the field prior to the 6:35 p.m. scheduled start time, and the game
Hub City Holds on for Series-Opening Win against Aberdeen
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After a late return Sunday from Bowling Green, the Spartanburgers had an early 11:05 a.m. ET first pitch Tuesday against a North Division foe. Hub City (2-2, 33-36) beat the Aberdeen IronBirds (1-3, 25-44) 4-3 to kick off a six-game home series. Rangers No. 2 prospect Malcolm
The Motor of the Hub City: Why Professional Baseball Returned to Spartanburg
This article was originally published in the June 2025 edition of the Texas Rangers magazine.
Bats Wake up for ‘Burgers to Finish Week in Bowling Green
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After dominant pitching for seven innings, the Spartanburgers (1-2, 32-36) offense came alive in the final two innings to take Sunday’s series finale 8-2 against the Hot Rods (2-1, 36-31). Jose Gonzalez provided Hub City an excellent chance to salvage the final game of the series.
Late Offense Carries Bowling Green to Comfortable Win
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Spartanburgers got off to an early lead on Saturday evening. Keith Jones II blasted a first pitch home run to put Hub City (0-2, 31-36) in front. Bowling Green (2-0, 36-30) responded with seven unanswered runs to take game four 7-1. Hub City lefty starter
Offensive Battle Goes Bowling Green’s Way
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After conceding five runs in the first inning, Hub City battled back to tie Friday night’s game in the seventh. The Hot Rods (1-0, 35-30) powered their way to seven late runs to take down the Spartanburgers (0-1, 31-35) in game three of the series, 12-5.
Spartanburgers Even Series at Bowling Green
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After rain ruined the possibilities of game two, the Spartanburgers (31-34) snapped their eight-game losing streak on Thursday with a 3-1 win at Bowling Green (34-30). Hub City used three straight baserunners to get on the board first in the fourth. Dylan Dreiling followed it up
Game Two Between ‘Burgers and Hot Rods Washed Out
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Spartanburgers (30-34) and Hot Rods (34-29) never got started on Wednesday in Kentucky. The game began in a delay, and a lengthy storm cell led to the game’s cancellation about two hours after scheduled first pitch. Since tonight’s game was canceled and Greenville lost to