Melton Pounds Out Three Hits in 9-4 Defeat

ROME- The Asheville Tourists built a 3-0 lead on the Rome Braves in the top of the first inning Thursday night but were outscored 9-1 the rest of the way. Asheville fell 9-4 and are now down two games to one in the series.

Michael Sandle and Jacob Melton both scored on a Zach Dezenzo Sacrifice Fly coupled with a Braves fielding error. Logan Cerny also added an RBI single in the three-run first frame. Rome responded with a trio of runs in the bottom of the second. Asheville’s starting pitcher, Alex Santos II, dialed in and kept the Braves from taking the lead.

In the top of the fifth, the Tourists jumped back in front 4-3 on a Dezenzo RBI single to centerfield. The hit plated Melton who finished the game with a season-high three hits, two runs scored, two stolen bases, and a walk.

Rome countered with a game-tying run in the bottom of the fifth. The Braves continued their momentum with two more in the sixth and three runs in the seventh. Asheville’s reliever Miguel Ullola struggled in his two innings of work. Jacob Coats and Kasey Ford each pitched a scoreless inning out of the bullpen.

Melton was joined by Dezenzo, Cerny, and Sandle for Tourists players who finished the game with multiple hits. Cerny holds the longest active Tourists hitting streak which now sits at six games.

Asheville and Rome are back in action Friday night from AdventHealth Stadium. The first pitch is slated for 7:00pm ET.