Ethan Peltier
6-17-2024
After dropping two straight games in a disappointing opening home series, the Tri-State Coal Cats returned to Huntington to play in a four-game slate against the Greeneville Flyboys. The Coal Cats entered the series with an even 2-2 record, while the visiting Flyboys entered with a 3-1 record.
The series kicked off on a hot Tuesday evening, which saw both teams struggle offensively early on, remaining scoreless through three innings. Greeneville’s Bryson Thacker dominated with six strikeouts and no hits allowed in the first four innings. Tri-State’s Kenneth Jackson also held strong until the fourth inning, when a single by Nick Arias drove in two runs. Despite this setback, the Flyboys’ bats went silent, failing to get another hit for the rest of the game.
Tri-State responded with a triple from Isaac Turner, scoring Michael Rodriguez. Turner then stole home in a clever play, tying the game. The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when Cooper McKenzie’s sacrifice fly brought in CJ Richard, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Coal Cats. Now, having won three in a row, including its first home-victory, the Coal Cats were riding high heading into Wednesday’s game. Unfortunately for Tri-State, Greenville spoiled any chances of extending the win streak.
The Flyboys bounced back with a 5-1 win, capitalizing on Tri-State’s pitching struggles. Greeneville jumped to a 3-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back. Despite a solid relief performance from Logan Piper, the Coal Cats couldn’t muster enough offense to overcome the deficit.
Errors and mental mistakes cost the Coal Cats in a significant way on Wednesday – something the team will definitely look to grow from. Fortunately, one of the best aspects of playing in a developmental league like this, is that players can afford to make those mistakes and learn from them.
It would not take long for the Coal Cats to get back in the win column, as the bats were on fire in Thursday’s matchup. The thrilling contest saw both teams combine for 18 hits. Tri-State edged out a 5-3 victory, thanks in part to Jack Smith’s clutch double in the eighth inning. Cooper McKenzie added insurance with a sacrifice fly, ensuring the Coal Cats’ second home win of the series.
Securing two victories at home was huge for the Appy League’s newest team. Fans were especially excited to see how well Marshall commit Jack Smith played. Like many other sports, however, baseball is a game of highs and lows.
The Flyboys would not be denied victory on Friday, as Greeneville evened the series with a 5-3 win. Despite a strong start from Drew Callaway, the Flyboys capitalized on key moments, including a two-run single by Tyler Inge. A late-game balk allowed Tri-State to tie the game, but Greeneville quickly regained the lead and held on as storm clouds loomed.
Despite the loss, the Coal Cats showcased impressive pitching, tying a league-high with 16 strikeouts. Flyboys’ infielder, Avery Gomez, was struck out four times to record a golden sombrero. They’ll look to carry this momentum into their upcoming series against the Bluefield Ridge Runners this weekend.
Heading into the weekend, Tri-State holds a 4-4 record, while Bluefield stands at 6-3. The two-game series kicks off Saturday night at 6:30pm E.T. at Bowen Field in Bluefield, Virginia. Until then, you can catch more Tri-State Coal Cats coverage in the “Coal Cats Corner” section of the website.