Press Release: Asheville Tourists

Tourists make it three straight; beat the Gnats 7-3


By Doug Maurer / Asheville Tourists

08/23/2010

Chris Balcom-Miller (6-6, 3.06) earned his fifth win in as many starts Monday night. He tossed seven innings, allowed only two runs on four hits while striking out 11. A pitcher's duel early turned into an offensive outburst for Asheville late.

The Tourists scored first in the third inning, when Jared Clark drove in Eliezer Mesa with a single into left field. The score remained 1-0 until Savannah came to bat in the seventh. They scored twice off Balcom-Miller taking a 2-1 lead.

Asheville wasted no time jumping back in front, scoring three in the seventh. Joey Wong scored on a wild pitch to tie the game. Clark then drove a single off the wall in right which plated a pair.

The Sand gnats short-stop Luis Nieves hit a solo home run in the eighth that made the score 4-3. In the Tourists half of the eighth, they rallied once more, scoring another three runs. Orlando Sandoval hit a bases loaded single that scored two and gave the Tourists a 7-3 lead.

Tourists reliever Paul Bargas faced the final batter of the eighth and then worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning to earn his third save of the year.

Savannah's starting pitcher Armando Rodriguez (6-9, 3.31) was very impressive. He went six innings, allowed only one run, and struck out 12 receiving a no decision.

The Tourists have now won seven of their last eight games and are one win away from sweeping the Sand Gnats.