
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Bristol State Liners opened their 2025 season with a statement, taking down the Johnson City Doughboys, 4-1, on the road Tuesday night behind sharp defense, smart baserunning and timely hits.
The early innings were a back-and-forth defensive battle, with both teams flashing leather and keeping baserunners in check.
Bristol got on the board first in the fourth inning. After Olin Ward drew a walk and Chris Patterson swiped second, it was Beau Revord who came through with a clutch two-out RBI single to give the State Liners a 1-0 lead.
In the fifth, the State Liners added insurance. A single from Jaxon Walker and a deep shot to center by Ward brought home two more runs, extending the lead to 3-0. The Doughboys answered with one in the bottom of the frame, but Bristol’s bullpen shut things down from there.
The top of the seventh brought more fireworks for Bristol, with Prince DeBoskie tripling to start the inning and scoring on a single by Walker to push the lead to 4-1.
Matthew Bienvenu struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh in electric fashion, helping preserve the momentum heading into the final stretch.
The State Liners fended off a late push in the ninth as Johnson City loaded the bases, but a pop fly ended the threat and sealed the win for Bristol.
With the victory, the State Liners open the season 1-0 and will look ahead to two more matches against the Doughboys this weekend, with both first pitches set for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at TVA Credit Union Ballpark.