Kingsport Gets Big Win in Home Opener

The Kingsport Mets' home schedule got started with a bang on Thursday evening as the KMets took a 13-6 decision from the Greeneville Reds in the rubber match of this split-city series.
The scoring got started in the bottom of the first, when Flushing, NY's own Jaylen Palmer sent a 400-foot shot to left center for a solo homer.
Following a Reds' run in the top of the second, the KMets took the lead for good as they struck for a four-spot in the bottom of the frame, with all of the runs scoring with two outs. The two big hits in the inning were an RBI-single by Jhoander Saez and a two run-triple by Sebastian Espino.
The Mets and Reds would trade runs in the next few frames, but a five-run sixth would put the game away for Kingsport.
Gregory Guerrero led off the frame with a solo shot to right, and Andres Regnault hit a three-run shot to left to balloon the lead to 12-4. The homer by Regnault was his second in as many games.
Regnault finished 3-5 with four RBIs, while Palmer, Espino, and Saez each had a pair of RBIs for the sweet swinging Mets.
Cesar Loaiza took the hill for Kingsport and pitched well, giving up three runs, striking out eight, and walking none over 4.2 innings.
Unfortunately for Loaiza, he was unable to qualify for the win for not going the required five frames. Hector Rodriguez picked up his first win of the season out of the pen, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings to close the game.
KMets pitchers struck out a combined 17 Greeneville Reds, which set a franchise record for the most strike outs in a game for Greeneville.
The K-Mets open up a three-game series at Hunter Wright Stadium tomorrow against the two-time defending Appalachian League Champion Elizabethton Twins.
Tomorrow's game will be the first Fireworks Fridays of the season, presented by Ingles. Fans are encouraged to stay late for a post-game fireworks extravaganza. First pitch is set for 6:30 and the gates open at 5:30.
Follow the KMets on Twitter and Instagram at @Kingsport_Mets and on Facebook at KingsportMetsBaseball.

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