ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. — After an hour-and-38-minute rain delay in the top of the first, the Elizabethton River Riders came out firing and never looked back, shutting out the Bristol State Liners, 6-0, on Tuesday night at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark. With the win, Elizabethton moved to 11-12 on the season, while Bristol dropped to 11-11.
The rundown
A brief threat from Bristol in the top of the first was neutralized by the rain delay. When the game resumed, Elizabethton took full control. After a scoreless opening frame, the River Riders struck first in the bottom of the fourth. Jack Torbett walked and later scored on a single from Terrance Bowen. Hudson Brown also scored on a double-play grounder, giving the Riders a 2-0 lead.
Elizabethton added another run in the fifth when Luke Donaghey doubled and was brought home by a Torbett single. Another run crossed in the sixth, as Tu’alau Wolfgramm singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Cadyn Karl.
The big insurance came in the seventh. After another RBI single from Bowen, Wolfgramm ripped a double to left to plate Bowen and extend the lead to 6-0.
The pitching
Josh Owens opened the game following the rain delay, tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Rowan Park took over in the fourth and delivered four shutout frames, allowing just one hit while striking out three. Cameron Owens worked a perfect eighth with two punchouts, and Cesar Garcia slammed the door with a scoreless ninth to complete the shutout.
Notes
- The River Riders' pitching staff faced the minimum from the fourth inning onward.
- Torbett reached base three times and drove in a run.
- Bowen went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.
- Wolfgramm went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.
- Elizabethton’s defense turned a pair of double plays to erase Bristol threats.
Stat of the Game
9 — Nine consecutive scoreless innings from the Elizabethton pitching staff, capped by a combined four-hit shutout.
Next up
The River Riders return to action Wednesday night for Game 2 of the series against the State Liners. The game will be played in Johnson City, and first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday's matchup can be streamed live on AppyLeague.com.
