JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Tri-State Coal Cats opened their six-game road trip in dominant fashion, sweeping a two-game series against the Bristol State Liners with convincing wins Tuesday and Wednesday at TVA Credit Union Ballpark.
Tri-State (10-16) combined for 24 runs on 26 hits across the series, capitalizing on timely offense to hand Bristol (11-18) its eighth straight loss. After an up-and-down start to the season, the Coal Cats showed signs of turning the corner, producing double-digit hits in four of their last seven games and finally turning those into runs.
Game 1 was a blowout from the fourth inning on, ending in a 17-4 run-rule victory after seven innings. Tied 3-3 after three innings, Tri-State exploded with four runs in the fourth inning and eight runs in the fifth inning to pull away. Sal Mineo, Bishop Quarles and Chandler Murray each drove in three runs, while Mineo and Ryan Maggy both homered.
Despite giving up 10 hits in four innings, starter Jack Gibson limited the damage to four runs. Brynden Rodriguez earned his first win of the summer with a clean fifth and Evan Jones slammed the door with two no-hit innings and three strikeouts.
The Coal Cats kept their momentum rolling into Game 2, starting with a leadoff home run by Quarles—his second of the season. Tri-State pounced out to a 5-0 lead and added two insurance runs in the ninth to secure a 7-2 win. Michael Rodriguez’s first homer of the year highlighted the late scoring.
The Cats were patient and productive at the plate, racking up 10 hits and drawing 10 walks. Tucker DeLisle continued his strong season on the mound, tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts. Jett Hope picked up the win with 2 1/3 innings of one-hit ball.
Tri-State now shifts its focus to Pulaski for a two-game set at Calfee Park starting Friday. The River Turtles (15-13) have won three of four meetings against the Coal Cats this season and sit one spot ahead in the Appalachian League East standings. With momentum finally on their side, the Cats enter a critical stretch in hopes of making a second-half push. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. For more information about the Tri-State Coal Cats, visit appyleague.com/tri-state or follow @TriStCoalCats on X and Instagram.
