ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Tourists rallied late to defeat the Rome Emperors 4-3 on Thursday night in their season opener at AdventHealth Stadium in Georgia.
Locked in a pitchers’ duel for much of the game, Asheville broke through in the ninth inning after surrendering the lead an inning earlier.
Asheville starter Cole Hertzler struck out five over 4 2/3 innings, allowing no runs before exiting in the fifth. Eurys Martich recorded the final out of the inning, and Andrew Taylor (1-0) earned the win with three innings of relief.
Rome took a 3-0 lead in the eighth when John Gil hit a three-run home run with two outs.
The Tourists responded in the ninth against Logan Samuels (0-1). Alejandro Nunez tied the game with a two-run double to left field, and Jason Schiavone followed with a sacrifice fly to give Asheville the lead.
Colby Langford recorded the final three outs for his first save, securing the win.
The teams are scheduled to play the second game of the series at 6:45 p.m. Friday.