Eight-Run Fifth Costs Spartanburgers on Friday Night

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Friday’s contest between Hub City and Greenville was a well-pitched affair for eight innings. One lopsided frame allowed the Drive (49-60, 23-23) to coast to an 8-3 victory over the Spartanburgers (52-60, 17-28).

Spartanburgers right-hander Caden Scarborough got off to another strong start on the mound. After not allowing a hit until the fifth last week, Scarborough did not allow a Drive baserunner through four innings this week at Fifth Third Park. He struck out two batters and set down each of the first twelve he faced.

Greenville starter Jason Gilman matched Scarborough with three scoreless innings, but Hub City broke through in the fourth. Luke Hanson walked to lead off the inning, then Gleider Figuereo followed with his second double of the night. With two in scoring position, Maxton Martin yanked a sacrifice fly to deep right field. Both runners advanced with Hanson scoring. Quincy Scott brought Figuereo home with a groundout. Hub City took a 2-0 lead to the fifth.

Things fell apart in the sixth for Scarborough (L, 1-5). Isaiah Jackson and Ronny Hernandez led off with back-to-back singles to snap the perfect game. A Maximus Martin fielder’s choice brought in Jackson. After a single and a popout, Stanley Tucker brought in two more on an opposite field single to give the Drive the lead. Justin Gonzalez notched an RBI single, and Scarborough hit the next batter. Gerardo Rodriguez dribbled a two-run single to make it 6-2. Jackson smashed a home run over the scoreboard to end Scarborough’s night. Cole Roland came in for the final out of the inning.

Luis Cohen (W, 1-4) took over for Gilman to start the fifth. After striking out the side in order to start his night, Cohen added a second one-two-three inning in the sixth. With two outs in the seventh, Esteban Mejia singled. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on a fielding error.

Roland cruised through a career-high 3 1/3 innings and struck out six, also a career best. Right-hander Wily Villar fanned two batters in his High-A debut and posted a zero in the ninth. Hub City couldn’t fashion any offense against Calvin Bickerstaff over the final two innings.

Hub City hunts a share of the series Saturday at 4:35 p.m. ET. The Spartanburgers have yet to name a starter. Greenville calls upon southpaw Dylan Brown (3-7, 4.25 ERA).

About the Hub City Spartanburgers

The Hub City Spartanburgers are the High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and the reigning South Atlantic League South Division Champions. 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 864-594-0701 or email: [email protected]. For media inquiries, email: [email protected]. Follow along with the Spartanburgers on social media.