Doubleheader opens with loss to Phillips

HICKORY, N.C. (April 25, 2018) -- Following consecutive rainouts, the Grasshoppers struggled in their first game back on the diamond in a 4-1 loss in seven innings against the Hickory Crawdads on Wednesday morning at L.P. Frans Stadium in Game 1 of a doubleheader. Greensboro (10-7) managed just one run against Hickory starting pitcher Tyler Phillips, whose complete game pushed the 'Dads into the win column.  
The Crawdads scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, chasing Grasshoppers starting pitcher Brandon Miller from the game. With one out and a runner on second base, Eric Jenkins singled to right field, scoring Yonny Hernandez to tie the game, 1-1. After Jenkins stole second base, the speedster scored on a Miguel Aparicio base hit for a 2-1 lead. Ryan Dorow capped the big inning with a two-run home run (3) for a 4-1 advantage, ending the day for Miller.
Miller (0-1) took the loss, allowing four runs on five hits with five strikeouts and four walks in 4 and 1/3 innings. R.J. Peace tossed the remaining 1 and 2/3 innings for Greensboro, keeping Hickory off the board the rest of the way.
Phillips saved arms for the Crawdads, working the first complete game of his career. The right hander allowed a run on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks in 7.0 innings pitched.  
Marlins prospect Jose Dever provided the lone Grasshoppers run. The young infielder doubled to lead off the fourth inning, stole third base, and scored on a Micah Brown groundout.
The Grasshoppers and Crawdads continue this double-header with the second game on Wednesday afternoon. The series is set to conclude with a second straight doubleheader on Thursday beginning at 5:00 p.m. at L.P. Frans Stadium. The Grasshoppers return to Greensboro for a 7-game home stand beginning May 1, and tickets are available online at gsohoppers.com.