Asheville – In a turbulent weekend series, the Asheville Tourists faced highs and lows against the Brooklyn Cyclones, ultimately falling in a pair of games on Saturday after securing a dominant 7-1 win on (April 12th) Friday night.
The Tourists’ woes began as they dropped Game One to the Cyclones, ending with a score of 6-2. Despite battling through the innings, Asheville struggled to hold a lead against Brooklyn, with the home team managing to secure six runs off Tourists’ starting pitcher Carlos Calderon. While Asheville found moments of offensive success with runs in the sixth and seventh innings, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Brooklyn’s early lead.
Game Two continued the trend of close competition, with a scoreless pitcher’s duel unfolding until the Cyclones broke through with a game-changing three-run home run in the fourth inning. Asheville’s Jackson Loftin provided a glimmer of hope with a solo home run in the seventh, but the Tourists ultimately fell short with a final score of 3-1. The team struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, going 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and leaving 13 men on base throughout the two games.
However, the Tourists showcased their resilience on Friday night with an impressive 7-1 victory over the Cyclones. A dynamic six-run first inning set the tone for Asheville’s success, supported by key performances from Brice Matthews, Ryan Johnson, and Austin Deming. Matthews ignited the Tourists’ offense with a grand slam in the first inning, while Deming’s relentless base running added another run in the third. Pitchers Edinson Batista and Andrew Taylor displayed stellar performances on the mound, shutting down the Cyclones and securing the win for Asheville.
Amidst the series’ rollercoaster of results, the Tourists maintained a competitive spirit and showcased promising talent on both offense and defense. Despite the weekend setbacks, Asheville’s early season record stands at 4-2, reflecting the team’s determination to bounce back from defeats and continue their pursuit of success in the season ahead.
As the Asheville Tourists look ahead to future matchups, they remain focused on refining their strategies and leveraging their strengths to secure victories. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the team is determined to overcome challenges and perform at their best as they navigate the unpredictable landscape of Minor League Baseball.