Tourists Toss Braves a Walk off Win

ROME, GA - Rome made the most of their opportunities in a 5-4 walk-off victory on Saturday night against the Asheville Tourists, scoring four unearned runs in the game including the winning tally on a missed catch in the 9th inning.
Back at State Mutual Stadium to open a four game series the Braves quickly got to work in the 1st inning, taking advantage of a fielding error. Rome got an RBI infield single from Griffin Benson and then a two run double off the bat of Ricardo Rodriguez to take a 3-0 lead.
Asheville put up a rally in the 4th inning against Rome starter RHP Jose Olague, highlighted by a two run extra base hit from Johnny Cresto to left field. Asheville took their first lead of the game in the 7th on a go-ahead two run homer out to the berm in right from Danny Edgeworth.

The Braves got back into it by using a patient approach, taking back-to-back one out walks in the 8th inning. With Trey Harris at second and Griffin Benson at first the resurgent Henry Quintero shot a single into right to score Harris and tie the game up at 4-4.
Rome reliever LHP Tanner Lawson held the Asheville Tourists lineup in check and gave the lineup a chance in the 9th inning. Jose Bermudez opened the frame with a four pitch walk. He moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Carlos Paraguate. Andrew Moritz stepped in and drove a groundball to second base, but instead of a routine out the ball was missed by the first baseman and allowed Bermudez to score from second to end the game.
Four of Rome's five runs were unearned but the Braves finished an impressive 4-10 with runners in scoring position.
Quintero went 2-4 with an RBI on the night. Harris finished 1-3 with a double and a walk. Rodriguez was 1-1 with a double and two RBI. Olague received a no-decision for 7 innings of work. He allowed four runs on eight hits, striking out one and walking none. Lawson got the win, pitching 2 scoreless innings with two hits. He walked one, struck out one and induced two crucial double-play groundballs.
Rome and Asheville continue their four game series Sunday afternoon at State Mutual Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 2 pm. Rome will start RHP Trey Riley (2-5, 6.32) while Asheville starts LHP Alfredo Garcia (0-4, 8.08).