Hoppers zap Power in storm-shortened game

GREENSBORO, N.C. (August 7, 2018) -- The Grasshoppers dropped five runs in the first inning to surge past the Power on Tuesday at First National Bank Field on Tuesday night before the game was called due to nearby lightning.  
Daniel Castano (4-2) worked all 6.0 innings for Greensboro to earn a complete-game win in the storm-shortened contest. He allowed one run on five hits with a walk and five strikeouts. West Virginia Power starter Sergio Cubilete (3-5) took the loss, giving up eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits over 4 and 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three before giving way to reliever Ike Schlabach. 
In the bottom of the first, Greensboro (21-20 Second Half, 55-55 overall) sent 11 men to the plate while scoring five runs on five hits. Connor Scott, the Marlins first round pick (13th overall) in this June's First-Year Player Draft, and Thomas Jones led off with back-to-back doubles for a quick 1-0 lead. Two batters later, Isael Soto followed with an RBI-single. Chris Torres then drew a 2-out walk before Marcos Rivera reached base on a strikeout-wild pitch that loaded the bases. Will Allen stepped to the plate and slapped a 2-run single to left field for a 4-0 lead, and Ricardo Cespedes followed with an RBI-single to cap the big inning.  
Allen finished 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBI while Soto drove in two runs on a 2-for-3 night. Scott reached base in every plate appearance in his Class A debut, going 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI, two walks, and two runs scored. Fellow top draft picks Osiris Johnson (Second Round, 53rd overall) and Will Banfield (Competitive Balance Round B, 69th overall) also made their Class A debut with Greensboro on Tuesday night. 
The start of the game was delayed by 56 minutes due to rain earlier in the evening. Play continued with storms surrounding the stadium, however umpires halted play in the middle of the sixth inning after lightning continued to move toward the ballpark.  
The Grasshoppers and Power continue this 3-game series on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at First National Bank Field. Tickets are available online at gsohoppers.com.