ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Tourists outslugged the Greensboro Grasshoppers 8-7 on Wednesday afternoon, handing Greensboro its first loss of the season in a back-and-forth contest at First National Bank Field.
A day after a pitcher’s duel, both teams combined for five home runs and 16 hits as Asheville (2-3) evened the series at one game apiece against Greensboro (4-1).
Asheville jumped ahead in the third inning. Chase Call opened the scoring with a solo home run to left, and after a run scored on an error, Jason Schiavone added a two-run shot to right field to make it 4-0.
Greensboro answered in the fifth. Trailing 4-1 with two outs and the bases loaded after three walks, Axiel Plaz hit a grand slam to center field to cut the deficit to 5-4.
The teams traded runs the rest of the way. Asheville regained the lead in the sixth on an RBI fielder’s choice by Alberto Hernandez and a run-scoring double from Caden Powell. Greensboro tied the game again in the seventh.
Justin Thomas Jr. delivered the decisive blow in the eighth, hitting a two-run home run to left-center field off Victor Cabreja (0-1) to give Asheville an 8-6 lead.
Andrew Taylor and Yeriel Santos (1-0) combined to pitch seven innings, allowing two runs and striking out 10 for Asheville.
Eurys Martich recorded his first save despite a shaky ninth inning. He walked the first four batters he faced, forcing in a run, before striking out the next hitter and inducing a game-ending double play.
The teams continue the series at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Greensboro.