Alexander, Ceballos Key to Hoppers 6-1 Victory

Greensboro Evens Series at a Game Apiece

GREENSBORO – Stuart Alexander improved to 5-0 in his last six starts after pitching five scoreless innings to lead the Hoppers to a 6-1 game two victory Wednesday afternoon over the visiting Greenville Drive.

Greensboro jumped out to an early lead for the second straight game against the Drive, but this time managed to stay in control and return to the win column to halt a two-game skid.

Alexander pitched five innings and allowed only four hits while striking out five batters for his 11th victory of the season. Wednesday marked Alexander’s second appearance against Greenville and the result was the same as the right-hander improved to 2-0 this season when facing the Drive.

The offense was sparked by Jose Ceballos’ second-inning two-run home run to give Greensboro all it would need, but the Hoppers’ catcher didn’t stop there and finished the game going 3-for-4 at the plate with four of Greensboro’s six RBIs.

Matt Dominguez also homered in the contest. He hit his 14th of the season to lead off the fourth inning.

The Hoppers left the door open for Greenville, but Peter Andrelczyk pulled Greensboro out of a jam in the sixth inning and eventually earned his sixth hold of the season after 2 2/3 innings of work before giving way to A.J. Battisto who picked up his fourth save.

Greensboro and Greenville have split six games this season and will play game three of their current four-game set Thursday beginning at 7:00 p.m. at NewBridge Bank Park.

Postgame Quick Stats
Win – Stuart Alexander (11-8); Loss – Brock Huntzinger (1-2); Save – A.J. Battisto (4)
Time – 2:49;
Attendance – 4,902
*****from Justin Stottlemyre Hoppers’ media assistant*****