HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A well-pitched series between the Bristol State Liners and Tri-State Coal Cats ended in a two-game split this week, with both clubs showcasing strong performances on the mound.
Game 1: Bristol 8, Tri-State 2
The State Liners flirted with a combined no-hitter in Tuesday’s opener, holding Tri-State hitless into the seventh inning en route to an 8-2 victory.
Paulo Noris made his first start of the season for Bristol, tossing four hitless innings with five strikeouts and two walks. Aiden Savona (1-1) followed with two shutout frames and two strikeouts to earn the win.
Miguel Galvez completed the final three innings, allowing just one hit — a two-run single by DeMir Heidelberg in the seventh — and picking up the save.
Tri-State’s pitching struggled, allowing eight runs, though only four were earned. Four wild pitches — three from starter Kenneth Jackson and one from Joshua Isaacs — led directly to four State Liners runs.
Jackson took the loss after surrendering five runs, issuing four walks and striking out four over four innings.
Bristol’s offense was efficient, drawing 11 walks and capitalizing on Tri-State’s mistakes. Hayden Blair went 2-for-5 with a double, his fourth home run of the season and two RBI. Jean Carlos Garcia-Chicano added an extra-base hit, and Patrick Gillen went 3-for-5 with a run scored. Beau Revord finished 2-for-4 and scored twice.
Game 2: Tri-State 12, Bristol 2 (seven innings)
The Coal Cats responded in a big way Wednesday, erupting for 12 runs and holding Bristol to just two hits in a 12-2 win that was shortened to seven innings due to the league's mercy rule.
Julio Solier led the way for Tri-State, going 2-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored. Ryan Maggy added two RBI and a triple in a 2-for-5 performance, while James Henshon went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.
Brooks Wright provided Bristol’s lone highlight with a solo home run — his fourth of the summer. Elijah Alexander collected the only other hit for the State Liners.
Bristol starter Michael Fliss (0-5) was tagged for six runs on four innings of work, walking three and striking out three.
Tucker Delisle allowed just one hit and two runs over four solid innings for Tri-State. Trey Lawrence earned the win in relief, recording one strikeout over two innings.
Tri-State faces Burlington for a rare four-game series beginning Thursday, while Bristol returns home to host the Greenville Flyboys for a two-game set at TVA Credit Union Ballpark.
