ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Tourists dropped the opener of a six-game series against the Greenville Drive, falling 8-4 Tuesday night at HomeTrust Park.
Asheville (4-12) got a strong start from Luis Rodriguez, who pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed one run.
Trailing 1-0 in the seventh inning, Justin Thomas Jr. gave the Tourists their first lead of the night with a three-run home run over the left-field wall — the first homer recorded at the team’s newly-renovated ballpark.
Greenville (7-9) responded with three-run home runs in the eighth and ninth innings to regain control and secure the win.
Anthony Cruz (0-2) took the loss for Asheville after surrendering the late lead, while Shea Sprague (1-1) earned the victory for Greenville.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday for Game 2 of the series.