India erupts as Reds stifle Mets, 5-4

KINGSPORT, Tenn. -- After starting his professional career 0-for-12, 3B Jonathan India broke out in a big way - collecting three hits and a home run - as the Greeneville Reds edged out the Kingsport Mets, 5-4, on Thursday night at Hunter Wright Stadium.
With the win, the Redlegs improved their overall record to 7-14. The K-Mets loss drops their mark to 12-9 after 21 games.
Trailing 1-0 heading to the top of the third, CF Mike Siani (0-3, R, BB, SO) was plunked by a 1-2 pitch to put a man on with no one out. On a 1-1 delivery, India (3-4, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB, SO) demolished a drive well over the left-center field fence for a two-run home run. The blast - his first professional home run - put Greeneville ahead, 2-1.
Kingsport wasted no time in tying the game in the bottom of the frame. With one out, SS Shervyen Newton (2-4, R, HR, RBI, BB, 2 SO) lofted a fly ball that carried over the batter's eye in straightaway center field for a solo shot. The clout - his second of the year - tied the game back up at two.
Once again, as quickly as it was tied, the Reds grabbed the lead for good in the top of the fourth. After SS Miguel Hernandez (3-5, R, SO) and DH Nate Scantlin (1-4, R, BB) started the frame with consecutive singles, India slapped a one-out knock through the left side to score a run and put the Reds back in front, 3-2. Four pitches later, 2B Jonathan Willems (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SO) launched a double into the left-center field gap. The two-bagger cleared the bases and extended the advantage to three, 5-2.
The Mets rallied for a pair in the bottom of the seventh, but that was as close as they would get. Following a one-out walk to 2B Luis Santana (0-3, R, BB), CF Jarred Kelenic (2-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, SO) obliterated a ball over the scoreboard in right for a two-run home run. The drive - his second Appalachian League home run - brought Kingsport within a run at 5-4.
In the eighth and ninth innings, the K-Mets managed to put the tying runs on-base with leadoff singles but failed to score. RHP Connor Bennett (2.0 IP, 2 H) - making his Appy League debut - induced double plays in both frames to end the threat before finally getting 3B Mark Vientos (1-5, R, SO) to fly out to center to end the game. 
RHP Alexis Diaz (5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, 3 BB, 7 SO) did not have his best command on Thursday, but battled through five innings and struck out seven to earn his second win of the year. RHP Justin McGregor (2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO) earned a hold in his Greeneville debut, while Bennett recorded the final six outs for his first save.
In all, every Greeneville batter in the starting lineup reached base on Thursday night, while eight of the nine picked up at least one base-hit. The 15 knocks in the contest marked a season-high for the Redlegs. 
India picked up his first professional hit - the first of three in the game - on a double to left-center in the top of the first.
The Reds will look earn a series split in the finale on Friday night, as LHP Jacob Heatherly (0-2, 9.26 ERA) - Cincinnati's No. 15 prospect according to Baseball America - is expected to toe the slab. Kingsport has yet to name their starter for tomorrow's affair.
The G-Reds Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:15 p.m. ET, leading up to the 6:30 p.m. ET start at Hunter Wright Stadium. Thursday night's contest can be heard on GreenevilleReds.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps. 
Following the Kingsport series, the Reds will return home on Saturday, July 14 to open up a three-game set against the Bristol Pirates. It will be Star Wars Night at the ballpark that evening featuring special movie-themed uniforms, music, food, and on-field games. In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a special Lightsaber Giveaway courtesy of Consumer Credit Union. That night's jersey's will be auctioned off to benefit the United Way of Greene County.
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.