Hoppers Take Final Game of Four-Game Set in Quick Fashion
GREENSBORO – Stuart Alexander shut out Augusta in his seven-plus innings of service for the Hoppers Sunday and Mike Stanton tied a Greensboro South Atlantic League record for most home runs in single season as Greensboro avoided the four-game sweep to the GreenJackets with a 3-0 victory.
Alexander retired the first 16 batters in order before allowing a seventh inning single to Nick Noonan. The right-hander was making quick work of the Jackets and the first three innings were over in less than 30 minutes. Alexander returned to the mound in the eighth inning, but after allowing a leadoff single to Angel Villalona, manager Edwin Rodriguez let his starter walk off to a standing ovation from the 5,022 in attendance and turned to ball over to A.J. Battisto.
After Alexander put down the side in order to start the game, Stanton gave the Hoppers the only run they would require for the win with his league-leading 30th home run of the season.
Stanton, who already holds the Grasshoppers’ record for most home runs in a season, tied former Bats’ slugger Jason Kinchen for the Greensboro South Atlantic League record; Kinchen recorded his 30-homer campaign during the 2001 season at War Memorial Stadium.
The all-time record for most home runs in a single season by a Greensboro professional baseball player is 45. The record was established in 1929 by Henry Parrish when Greensboro’s professional club played in the Piedmont League.
Greensboro added two additional runs in the fourth inning build a 3-0 lead; the Hoppers’ pair of runs would be the last runs scored in the contest as Brian Schultz hit a two-run double to center field.
Battisto pitched a hitless eighth inning and struck out two before Nick McCurdy pitched a 1-2-3 ninth with a pair of strikeouts to pick up his first since joining the Grasshoppers.
The Hoppers finished the eight-game homestand on a high note with an hour and 44 minute victory. Greensboro now takes to the road for eight games between Hickory and Asheville before returning home on Tuesday, August 19.
Postgame Quick Stats
Win – Stuart Alexander (9-8); Loss – Chance Corgan (3-5); Save – Nick McCurdy (1)
Time – 1:44; Attendance – 5,022
*****from Justin Stottlemyre Hoppers’ media assistant*****
+++++Editor’s Note:This was one of the best games I have ever seen played on a Greensboro baseball field.+++++