Dumitru's big night lifts Emperors over Tourists

ROME, Ga. - The Rome Emperors headed into Saturday night’s matchup against the Asheville Tourists needing a win to get the series advantage heading into Sunday.

Scoring started early for Rome, with Will Verdung hitting a one-out single in the bottom of the first inning, scoring Patrick Clohisy. Asheville stunned the Emperors in the next half inning by scoring four runs courtesy of a Trevor Austin RBI groundout and a Joseph Sullivan three-run homer.

A balk and a steal of home in the bottom of the second brought the Emperors to within one run of the Tourists. On the very next batter, Titus Dumitru singled to left field, bringing Clohisy in to score once again.

For the next six innings it was a stalemate, with both teams stranding runners multiple times despite having chances to break the tie. It wasn’t until the bottom of the eighth inning, after the Emperors loaded the bases thanks to two walks and a single, that the tie was broken. Dumitru ripped a triple into deep right center, clearing the bases and putting the Emperors up 7-4.

Luis Vargas closed the 9th inning for Rome by striking out the side and stranding two runners on base. Vargas’ three strikeouts brought the pitching staff’s total to 14 for the night - a group effort from five different pitchers. Vargas also earned his first save of the season, helping the Emperors take a 3-2 series lead on the Tourists.

Tyler LaPorte earned the win for the Emperors, as he moves to (1-0), and Colby Langford gets the loss for the Tourists, dropping to (0-1) on the season.

The Emperors hit the .500 mark, improving to 7-7 on the season and 3rd place in the Southern Atlantic League (SAL) South. The Tourists fall to 6-7 and 4th place in the SAL South. The Emperors are back in action tomorrow afternoon for an Easter Sunday series conclusion. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the game can be streamed on milb.tv.