HUNTINGTON, W. Va. — The Tri-State Coal Cats closed out their first homestand of the season on a frustrating note, dropping both games of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Greeneville Flyboys at Jack Cook Field. The weekend series, plagued by weather delays and subpar play, left Tri-State (4-5) seeking answers in what proved to be a frustrating affair.
Game 1: Greeneville 7, Tri-State 1
Sunday’s action began with the resumption of Friday’s game, which was suspended after three scoreless innings due to inclement weather. Despite two more rain delays on Sunday, the game eventually concluded with Greeneville (5-3) pulling away for a 7-1 win.
Tri-State starter Kenyon Collins turned in a strong performance, pitching five innings of one-hit ball, allowing one unearned run while striking out six. The Coal Cats broke the deadlock in the sixth inning, with Julio Solier’s sacrifice fly plating Sal Mineo, who had walked and stolen both second and third base.
The Flyboys responded with seven unanswered runs, taking advantage of five critical errors by the Coal Cats. Greeneville’s six-run ninth inning sealed the game, as Tri-State’s defense faltered under pressure.
Game 2: Greeneville 9, Tri-State 4
The second game of the doubleheader mirrored the first, as the Coal Cats jumped out to an early lead but faltered late.
Tri-State scored two runs in the opening inning. Michael Rodriguez’s single brought home Cesar Gonzalez, and Bishop Quarles scored on a throwing error by Greeneville starter Tre Jackson. The Flyboys tied the game, 2-2, in the fourth, but Xavier Rivera’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning briefly restored the Coal Cats’ lead at 3-2.
The game unraveled for Tri-State in the sixth, when Greeneville exploded for seven runs to take a commanding 9-3 lead. Rivera added another RBI in the seventh, singling in Sam Winsett, but it was too little, too late for the Coal Cats.
Despite only striking out twice, Tri-State’s lineup struggled to capitalize in key moments, while Greeneville made the most of its opportunities as it coasted to a 9-4 victory.
Tri-State has a much-needed day off on Monday before hitting the road to face the Pulaski River Turtles on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Coal Cats will look to rebound after a challenging weekend both in terms of game delays and on-field play .
