PULASKI, Va. — The Tri-State Coal Cats’ pitching staff turned in one of its strongest performances of the season Wednesday night, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a fifth consecutive loss. Tri-State (4-7) fell, 3-2, to the Pulaski River Turtles at Calfee Park, undone by timely hitting from Pulaski (8-4) and a lack of offensive punch from the Coal Cats.
Tri-State’s pitchers allowed just eight hits, one walk and struck out nine—a marked improvement from the struggles seen in the recent weekend series. Starter Jett Hope worked four innings, surrendering three runs, two of them earned, on four hits while striking out four. His solid start kept the game close, but Pulaski capitalized on key opportunities in the third inning to pull ahead.
The River Turtles did all their damage in the third inning, starting with a two-run double by J.T. Taylor that brought home Sam Koerner and T.J. Williams. Taylor later scored on a groundout by Brayden Ricketts, giving Pulaski a lead it would maintain for the rest of the game.
The Coal Cats’ bullpen shined in relief of Hope. Jack Gibson, Joe Gomez and Carlos Jazmin combined for five scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and one walk while striking out five. Their strong performance kept Tri-State within striking distance, but the bats couldn’t break through when it mattered most.
Tri-State’s offense got off to a promising start when Bishop Quarles led off the first inning with his first home run of the season, a solo shot that briefly put the Coal Cats ahead. In the sixth, Christian Recendez made an impact with his first Appalachian League hit, a soft blooper that brought home Luke Kosko, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Despite a few late chances, Tri-State could not push across the tying run.
Pulaski’s pitching staff held Tri-State to just six hits, three walks and struck out eight on the night. Reliever Eli Baker picked up the win after one inning of relief, allowing one run on three hits.
Up next, Tri-State hits the road Thursday to face the Burlington Sock Puppets at Burlington Athletic Stadium. With first pitch set for 7 p.m., the Coal Cats will look to end their losing streak and turn the page with a fresh series.
For more information about the Tri-State Coal Cats, visit appyleague.com/tri-state or follow @TriStCoalCats on X and Instagram.
