Gray, Willems power G'Ville to series victory, 8-2

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- RHP Josiah Gray tossed five hitless frames, while 3B Jonathan Willems collected three extra-base hits - including a home run - as Greeneville captured their second series victory of the year, as the Reds defeated the Johnson City Cardinals, 8-2, on Tuesday night at TVA Credit Union Ballpark.
With the win, the G-Reds improved their overall mark to 5-8 on the season. Johnson City's loss dropped them back below .500 on the campaign at 6-7.
A night after a gut-wrenching, 13-12 loss, the Reds wasted no time putting themselves ahead. Following a double by CF Brian Rey (1-5, R, 2B) and a single from LF Zeek White (2-4, 2 R, HR, RBI, BB, SO), Willems (3-5, 3 R, 2 3B, HR, 3 RBI, SO) launched an offering well over the left-field fence for a three-run shot. The clout - his second of the season - put Greeneville in front, 3-0.
Following a strikeout, 2B Cash Case (2-4, R) and RF Reniel Ozuna (2-4, RBI, BB) reached on consecutive singles to put men at first and third. A wild pitch allowed Case to score and extend Greenville's advantage to 4-0.
The Redlegs utilized the longball once again in the fifth to further distance themselves from the Cardinals. Leading off the frame, White ripped a laser over the wall in left for a solo home run. The second homer in as many days for the 21-year-old made it a 5-0 affair.
Immediately after Willems tripled, C Hunter Oliver (1-5, R, HR, 2 RBI, 3 SO) uncorked a towering, two-run blast to left. The Cleveland, Tenn. native's second dinger of the campaign put Greeneville in the driver's seat, 7-0.
That was more than enough support for Gray (5.0 IP, BB, 5 SO). The 20-year-old walked the first batter he faced and then proceeded to retire the final 15 men he faced to garner his first professional victory.
Johnson City would finally break up the shutout in the seventh, as a pair of runs crossed the plate on a fielder's choice and a throwing error.
The Reds added their final tally in the top of the ninth, as Willems tripled and scored on a groundout off the bat of Ozuna.
For the third-straight contest, Johnson City's starter was battered around early. RHP Dionis Zamora (4.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, BB, 5 SO) could not escape the fifth, as the right-hander suffered his second defeat in-a-row.
Greeneville returns home tomorrow to open up a three-game set against the Danville Braves. RHP Miguel Medrano (0-0, 7.88 ERA) is expected to take the hill for the Reds in the series opener, while the D-Braves are expected to counter with RHP Keith Weisenberg (0-1, 1.42 ERA).
The G-Reds Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:45 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:00 p.m. ET start at Pioneer Park. Wednesday night's contest can be heard on GreenevilleReds.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps. 
Immediately after the conclusion of tomorrow night's game, there will be a spectacular Postgame Fireworks Show as a part of Greeneville's Independence Day celebration.
Season and single-game tickets are still available and can be purchased online at GreenevilleReds.com or by calling the Reds' Ticket Office at (423) 609-7400.