Eusebio's grand slam not enough in loss to Rays

The Bristol Pirates fell short in their series opener on Friday night in a 6-5 loss to the Princeton Rays.
The Rays jumped out to an early lead after scoring three runs in the top of the second, but after Bristol loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the inning, left fielder Jean Eusebio connected for a grand slam home run to give the Pirates a 4-3 lead. An RBI double in the fourth inning by Rays first baseman Mason Mallard tied the game at 4-4. and Princeton regained the lead in the sixth inning when two runs crossed the plate. Right fielder Brendt Citta tripled in the bottom of the sixth inning and scored on a groundout from third baseman Matt Morrow, but the Pirates were unable to score again as they dropped the series opener.
Bristol starter Dante Mendoza allowed four runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out three over four innings. Ryan Troutman earned his first career loss after allowing two runs on two hits and one walk in 1 1/3 innings of work. Oliver Garcia allowed two hits over 3 2/3 scoreless innings, as he extended his scoreless streak to 8 2/3 innings this season.
Eusebio's only hit of the night was the grand slam - his second career home run - and he also set a career-high with four RBI. Citta finished 1-for-4 with a triple to extend his hitting streak to seven games, while first baseman Samuel Inoa went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Designated hitter Chase Murray went 2-for-4 in his second game of the year, and he is now 5-for-9 to start his professional career.
The Pirates (3-7) will look to even up the series Saturday night when they send Adrian Florencio to the mound against Princeton. Florencio earned the loss in his first start of the year after allowing five runs over five innings against Greeneville.
Saturday night's game will be Merchant's Night at Boyce Cox Field, where local area businesses will attend the game and give out free gifts and prizes throughout the night. Along with Merchant's Night, Marsh Regional Blood Center will be at the field from 4:30 to 7:30 where fans can donate in a blood drive.
Prior to Saturday's game, the Pirates will host the Bristol Challenger League for a game at Boyce Cox Field at 9:30 a.m. Admission is free and fans are encouraged to come out and cheer on the Pirates and our local kids.