Downs sparks Rockers over Power

The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·2 min read
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Jun. 23—CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Jerry Downs blasted a sixth-inning home run and Preston Gainey pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save as the High Point Rockers posted a 4-2 win over the West Virginia Power at Appalachian Power Park on Tuesday night.

The Rockers scored first, using back-to-back doubles by James McOwen and Stephen Cardullo to go ahead 1-0 in the fourth inning. Cardullo moved to third on a ground out by Jerry Downs before Jared Mitchell lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Cardullo and give High Point a 2-0 lead.

The Power got one run back in the bottom of the fourth when a single by Edwin Espinal scored Jose Tabata who had also singled.

In the sixth, the Rockers added a pair of runs when Cardullo led off the inning with a walk and Downs blasted a long home run to right center for a 4-1 High Point lead. It was Downs' first home run as a Rocker.

West Virginia added a run in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead to 4-2 when Tabata singled, moved to third on a single by Jimmy Paredes and scored on a single to right by Espinal

Preston Gainey came on to pitch the ninth for the Rockers and allowed one hit while recording a strikeout in earning his team-leading third save of the year.

High Point starter Luke Westphal pitched five innings of three-hit ball, walking one and striking out seven to improve to 2-1. Ryan Chaffee went two innings and allowed one run while Daniel James pitched a hitless eighth inning for the Rockers.

The Rockers and Power played a doubleheader on Wednesday at Appalachian Power Park. The Rockers are idle Thursday and start a three-game series at Lexington on Friday.

The Rockers made a series of player moves on Tuesday.

Right-handed pitcher Nefi Ogando was placed on the injured list retroactive to June 15 and outfielder Adam Taylor was released.

Starting pitcher Bryce Hensley was made inactive before he left to open for Jake Owen at a country music concert in Akron, Ohio. Hensley is expected to be activated for a start in the series opener at Lexington.

The Rockers added right-handed pitchers Joey Hennessey and Tommy Lawrence plus catcher Michael Gulino.