Monstrous Ninth Inning Pushes Tourists Past Grasshoppers

GREENSBORO- The Asheville Tourists recorded one of their most memorable victories of the season of Sunday afternoon; a 5-4 come-from-behind win against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. The Tourists trailed 4-1 entering the top of the ninth inning and rallied to score four runs. Asheville held on in the bottom of the ninth to clinch the series win and the season-series over Greensboro.

Chad Stevens hit a one-out single in the top of the ninth and Kenedy Corona clubbed a two-run Home Run down the left-field line. The next batter, Luis Guerrero, singled into centerfield to put the tying run aboard. Cristian Gonzalez worked a walk and a wild pitch advanced both runners. Luis Santana then delivered a go-ahead two-run single that gave the Tourists their first lead of the game.

In the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Gusto recorded two quick outs. After the Grasshoppers legged out an infield single and worked a walk, Danny Cody induced a game-ending lineout off the bat of Yoyner Fajardo.

The Tourists trailed pretty much the entire game; however, Ernesto Jaquez, Franny Cobos, and Gusto all pitched well to keep Asheville within striking distance. Prior to the ninth, the Tourists lone run came on a Stevens solo Homer in the fourth. The Grasshoppers hit three Home Runs in the game; all of which were solo shots.

Greensboro’s starting pitcher, Jared Jones, threw seven innings and did not allow any Asheville rallies. Once Jones departed, the Tourists took full advantage.

Next up for Asheville is a home series with the Bowling Green Hot Rods. The first game is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:35pm ET.

Tourists Game Recaps are presented by Jackson Electrical Contractors, Inc