Astros best Cardinals in rain-soaked affair, 4-1

Carlos Talavera hits first pro homer after two lengthy delays

RF Carlos Talavera clubbed his first professional home run, but the Cardinals fell to the Astros, 4-1, on Tuesday night at Pioneer Park. (Bret Jacomet)

By Justin Rocke

July 5, 2017

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - Following two hours and 32 minutes worth of delays, RF Carlos Talavera clubbed his first professional home run, but it was not enough, as the Greeneville Astros defeated the Johnson City Cardinals, 4-1, on Tuesday night at Pioneer Park.With the loss, Johnson City has fallen in back-to-back games for the

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - Following two hours and 32 minutes worth of delays, RF Carlos Talavera clubbed his first professional home run, but it was not enough, as the Greeneville Astros defeated the Johnson City Cardinals, 4-1, on Tuesday night at Pioneer Park.
With the loss, Johnson City has fallen in back-to-back games for the first time this season and drop to 7-6 on the campaign. With the win, Greeneville improves their early mark to 8-4.
The contest was initially delayed an hour and 38 minutes before getting underway. After Johnson City batted in the top of the first, the game was halted yet again due to precipitation for a little less than an hour.
Following that second delay, the Astros erupted for all four of their runs in the contest. RF Chas McCormick (1-4, R) started the inning with a single and SS Cody Bohanek (1-3, R, BB) followed with a walk. With one down, 3B Brody Westmoreland (1-4, R, HR, 3 RBI, SO) slammed a three-run home run over the wall in left - his third of the year - to put Greeneville ahead, 3-0.
The Astros would add one more tally in the frame, as a bases loaded walk to CF Wilson Amador (1-2, RBI, BB) stretched the advantage to 4-0.
Johnson City scored its only run in the top of the third inning. Leading off the frame, Talavera (1-4, R, HR, RBI, SO) lofted a 1-0 pitch over the fence in right-center for the first home run of his professional career. The clout trimmed Greeneville's lead to 4-1.
That was as close as the Cardinals would get. Johnson City threatened several times - bringing the tying run to the plate in the ninth - but could not complete the comeback.
LHP Adam Bleday (2.0 IP, H, BB, SO) earned his first pro win for the G-Stros in relief, throwing two innings of scoreless ball. RHP Jesus Balaguer (2.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 SO) recorded five of his six outs via the strikeout to seal his first pro save. RHP Bryan Abreu (3.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, BB, 4 SO) went three innings in a no-decision for Greeneville.
Johnson City's RHP Franyel Casadilla (0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO) could not get on track after the delays, failing to make it out of the first inning. The right-hander yielded all four of the Astros' runs, suffering his second loss of the campaign.
The Cardinals' bullpen was phenomenal, however. RHP Will Changarotty (2.2 IP, 4 H, BB, 3 SO) and LHP Fabian Blanco (2.2 IP, H, 2 SO) combined to strike out five over 5.1 innings. RHP Juan Alvarez (2.0 IP, 2 SO) retired all six batters he faced in his Appalachian League debut.
2B Wood Myers (2-4) continued his impressive start to his professional career, collecting two more hits on Tuesday. The effort marked the third multi-hit game of his young career.
The Cardinals continue their three-game series against the Astros on Wednesday, as RHP Edwar Ramirez (1-1, 4.09 ERA) is expected to take the mound for Johnson City. RHP Gerardo Bojorquez (1-0, 6.23 ERA) is slated to make the start for Greeneville.
The Cardinals Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:45 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:00 p.m. ET start at Pioneer Park. Wednesday evening's contest can be heard on NBCSportsTriCities.com, JCCardinals.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the road trip, the Cardinals will return to open up a three-game homestand against the Bristol Pirates, the rookie affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, on Wednesday, July 12. It will be the Cardinals' All-You-Can-Eat Night, as fans can purchase a special wristband and enjoy all-you-can-eat on select food items.
Season and single-game tickets are still available and can be purchased online at JCCardinals.com or by calling the Cardinals' Ticket Office at (423) 461-4866.
ABOUT THE JOHNSON CITY CARDINALS
The Johnson City Cardinals are the Rookie affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Members of the ten-team Appalachian League, Cardinals baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America's national pastime in the East Tennessee region for 80 years. To learn more about the Johnson City Cardinals, visit www.jccardinals.com.