Greensboro Sports

Posted By Andy Durham on July 21, 2008

Stanton Provides Game-Winning Run with Sixth-Inning Solo Home Run

GREENSBORO – Stuart Alexander evened his record at 8-8 as the Hoppers took the first game, 8-7, of a four-game series against Charleston Wednesday evening at NewBridge Bank Park.

The RiverDogs grabbed an early 1-0 lead, but Greensboro responded with five first-inning runs and two more in the second to earn the win. Charleston made a strong effort to come back and pulled within one in the eighth inning before Corey Madden brought their rally to a halt to pick up his third save.

Tom Hickman became the third Grasshopper this season to reach the double-digit home run plateu, he did so by slamming a three-run homer in the first inning to plate the final three runs of the five-run frame. Hickman finished the night 2-for-3 at the plate with three RBI.

Making the move to center field after Bryan Petersen was promoted to Double-A Carolina, Mike Stanton also went 2-for-3 and added his league-leading 23rd home run of the year; he also scored three times in the contest.

Holding a 7-2 lead, Greensboro brought Chris Bodishbaugh to the mound in the sixth inning; he lasted just two-thirds of an inning and gave up three runs on four hits before A.J. Battisto replaced him to finish the inning.

Battisto tossed two complete innings and gave up two runs before Madden was called in.

Greensboro pounded out 12 hits in the contest, but was out-done by the RiverDogs’ 19 hits.

Along with Stanton and Hickman, Hunter Mense and Ozzie Martinez also had two hits in the game.

The same two teams will return to the field Monday for game two beginning at 7:00 p.m. Greensboro is scheduled to throw RHP Brett Durand; Charleston will counter with RHP Jairo Heredia.

Postgame Quick Stats
Win – Stuart Alexander (8-8); Loss – Adam Olbrychowski (5-4); Save – Corey Madden (3)
Time – 2:46; Attendance – 6,413
*****from Justin Stottlemyre Hoppers’ media assistant*****

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