Royals' Streak Snapped in Defeat to Cardinals

BURLINGTON, N.C.- The Burlington Royals' five-game win streak was snapped on Wednesday night with a 5-2 loss at the hands of the Johnson City Cardinals at Burlington Athletic Stadium in the opener of a three-game series.

Despite the loss, Burlington (13-7) remains in first place in the Appalachian League East Division. Johnson City improves to 12-7, first place in the Appalachian League West Division.

Johnson City opened the scoring in the top of the third, as LF Matt Fiedler drew a leadoff walk, advanced to second on a single by CF Shane Billings and third on a walk by 3B Bryce Denton. A wild pitch allowed Fiedler to score and give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.

Burlington's answer was quick, as the Royals pushed across a run in their half of the third. CF Vance Vizcaino singled and stole second, and scored on an RBI single by LF Boo Vazquez.

The Cardinals would break the tie with runs in consecutive innings in the fifth and sixth. Billings hit a fifth-inning double, and scored on an RBI triple from 2B J.R. Davis. One inning later, DH Andrew Knizner walked, stole second and scored when 1B Yariel Gonzalez doubled, pushing the lead to 3-1.

Royals starter Ofreidy Gomez worked 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. He struck out two.

With the game into the bullpens, the Royals scored in the seventh when 2B Jonathan McCray hit a solo home run, his fourth of the year. The blast trimmed Johnson City's lead to 3-2, but that would conclude the Royals' scoring.

The Cardinals tacked on two more runs against Royals RHP Jose Veras in the eighth. Denton doubled to lead off the inning, and came around to score when C Joshua Lopez hit his second home run of the season. The 5-2 score would prove to be final, as Royals RHP Alex Close kept Johnson City off the board in the ninth, but Burlington could not score in the home half.

NOTABLE:

• McCray's homer pulls him within one of Chris DeVito for the team lead, which currently sits at five home runs on the season.
• Vazquez was 2-for-4, the only Royal with a multi-hit game.
• With a 1-for-4 night, 3B Emmanuel Rivera now has a .370 average on the year. He came into the night at .377, tops in the Appalachian League.

UP NEXT

The Royals and Cardinals continue their series on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Burlington Athletic Stadium. Royals RHP Geoffrey Bramblett (2-0, 1.50) will make the start against Cardinals RHP Jordan Hicks (2-0, 1.15). The Royals will celebrate Throwback Thursday and Thirsty Thursday! Burlington will wear 1985 Powder Blue uniforms, and fans can enjoy $1 draft beers from Red Oak and Budweiser products. For tickets, call (336) 222-0223 or visit www.burlingtonroyals.com. Fans can also listen to the game on www.burlingtonroyals.com.

Johnson City 5, Burlington 2

WP: Frederis Parra (1-2)

LP: Ofreidy Gomez (1-1)

SV: Ramon Santos (1)

HR: BUR- Jonathan McCray (4); JC- Joshua Lopez (2)
Box Score