Astros light up the sky in 4-1 win

The Greeneville Astros (8-4) and the Johnson City Cardinals (7-6) squared off in a marathon match pushing into early Wednesday morning. A four run first inning proved to be enough as the Astros took game one of the series.
Not wasting any time, Greeneville right fielder Chas McCormick singled on a line drive to center only to be followed up with a walk by Cody Bohanek. The Cardinals were able to record an out, but no sooner than stepping into the batters box Brody Westmoreland lined his third home run of the year to left field giving Greeneville a three run lead. Greeneville would get another run across the plate after loading the bases with two walks and a single. Wilson Amador was patient in his at-bat earning the walk and giving Greeneville a 4-0 lead in the first.
The Johnson City bats were quiet for the first two innings only managing to record one hit. It wasn't until the third inning that Johnson City pushed their first run across the board when right fielder Carlos Talavera homered to right center field. Greeneville starter Bryan Abreu bounced back retiring the next three batters to end his outing. Abreu's stat line for the night resulted in surrendering only two hits, allowing one walk and striking out four in three innings of work.
Abreu was replaced by pitchers Adam Bleday (1-0) and Dariel Aquino whom went on to pitch two scoreless innings each, combining for another four strikeouts. Bleday was credited with the win while Aquino successfully recorded his first hold of the season.
Both offenses were stifled from the fourth inning on as there would only be six more hits for the remainder of the game. Astros pitcher Jesus Balaguer came in to relieve Aquino in the top of the eighth inning earning the save and striking out five Cardinals.
The Astros are back in action tomorrow night as they look to take the series against the Cardinals. Astros starter Gerardo Bojorquez (1-0) will face off against righty Edwar Ramirez (1-1) with first pitch scheduled for 7:00pm.
The Astros are the Appalachian League affiliate of the Houston Astros. For more information, visit www.greenevilleastros.com or call (423) 638-0411.