JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The Bristol State Liners clawed back from a one-run deficit to defeat the Johnson City Doughboys, 2-1, on Thursday night at TVA Credit Union Ballpark.
Johnson City struck first in the second inning with an RBI single. Both teams were held quiet for the next few frames thanks to strong outings from starter Michael Fliss and relievers Aidan Savona and Matthew Bienvenu, with timely double plays limiting threats on both sides.
Bristol’s offense finally broke through in the sixth when Prince DeBoskie singled, stole second, advanced to third on a flyout and scored on a two-out RBI single from Patrick Gillen to tie the game at 1-1. An inning later, Chris Patterson led off with a single, stole second and advanced on a throwing error before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Brooks Wright to give Bristol a 2-1 lead.
Charlie Atkinson came on in the ninth and shut the door, stranding two runners with a flyout to secure the win.
With the victory, the State Liners improved to 9-9 on the season, and start their series vs. the Kingsport Axmen at Hunter Wright Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m.
