Braves Rally, Controversy, Spoils Special Comeback

ROME- The Asheville Tourists used every bit of regulation to put Wednesday night’s game into extra innings. Then the Tourists plated three runs in the top of the tenth to build a 5-2 lead. The Rome Braves stormed back with four in the bottom half to beat Asheville 6-5.

Asheville had to overcome some controversy that may have cost the Tourists a win in regulation. In the top of the sixth inning with the Tourists trailing 2-0, Quincy Hamilton launched a solo Home Run well over the right-field wall; however, it was ruled a foul ball. A confused and irate Nate Shaver pled his case and the two umpires held a conference. The call was not overturned. Replay confirmed the call of a foul ball was incorrect and Hamilton’s drive should have put Asheville on the board.

The game remained 2-0 until two outs in the top of the ninth inning. Luis Santana, Zach Daniels, and Cristian Gonzalez all strung together two-out base hits that tied the game 2-2. Rome had a great opportunity to walk off in the bottom of the ninth but Danny Cody miraculously worked out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam to send the contest into extras.

In the top of the tenth, Asheville used a trio of stolen bases and timely hits to score three runs. Jose Alvarez and Hamilton each drove in runs during the frame. Rome took back the momentum and ultimately the game in the bottom of the tenth. A bloop single, a wild pitch, and a throwing error put two quick runs on the board. After an RBI triple followed by another single, the Braves celebrated the walk-off.

Hunter Peck and Cesar Gomez combined to pitch six shutout innings out of the Tourists bullpen. Both of Rome’s runs in regulation came in the bottom of the first inning.

Tourists Game Recaps are presented by Jackson Electrical Contractors, Inc