River Riders lose 5-4 on Flyboys’ walk-off

GREENEVILLE, TN --- The Elizabethton River Riders dropped game two against the Flyboys, 5-4, at Pioneer Park on Friday night. Starter Robert Bavon pitched four innings and struck out six while allowing just one hit, one walk and one earned run.

The Flyboys (17-11-1) scored two runs in the bottom of the third on a balk by Bavon and an error by third baseman Johnathan Soto.

The River Riders (16-13) scored one run in the top of the fourth on a sacrifice fly by catcher Chase Adkison to score shortstop Marcus Brown.

Greeneville added to their lead on an RBI groundout by centerfielder Homer Bush Jr. to score shortstop Jac Croom.

The River Riders mounted a comeback in the top of the eighth. First baseman Robin Fernandez singled to score right fielder Mario Zabala. Adkison singled and scored on an error by Croom. Left fielder DJ Sullivan scored Soto on a sacrifice fly to centerfield to make it 4-3 River Riders.

Left fielder Emmanuel Dean doubled with one out to score designated hitter Johnathan Hogart from first to tie the game, 4-4.

In the bottom of the ninth with one out, catcher Darius Perry tripled to centerfield against RHP Brendan Hiess. Perry was pinch ran for by Chris Williams, who scored on the walk-off single by Bush Jr.

Up next, the River Riders will return to Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark on Saturday night to host the Johnson City Doughboys. It’s Christmas in July on Saturday at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark presented by United Way of East Tennessee Highlands. Fans can follow the River Riders live with the links below.

Video: https://appalachianleague.univtec.com/home

Audio: https://www.mlb.com/appalachian-league/elizabethton/fans/audio-listen-live