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By: Andrew Smith

JOHNSON CITY–The Johnson City Doughboys (24-24) bested the Elizabethton River Riders (21-24) on Saturday night by a final score of 4-1. Johnson City left fielder Jared Johnson went 1-for-3 with two RBI.

While Elizabethton has already clinched the season series over the Doughboys, J.C. was able to secure their second win over the River Riders on the season. It was also the first game since July 24 for the River Riders, as they dealt with three straight rainouts after the All-Star break.

The game was a pitchers’ duel throughout, as River Riders starter Sean Hollister and Doughboys starter Justin Guiliano traded zeros for the first third of the game. However, the Riders were finally able to break through in the top of the fourth. On the first pitch of the frame, right fielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu hit a hanging curveball deep to left field for a home run. E-Town led 1-0 after three and a half.

Johnson City would cash in big on their opportunity in the bottom of the sixth. A single and a pair of walks loaded the bases for the Doughboys with no outs. An RBI groundout from first baseman Braden Spano tied the game. After a hit by pitch re-loaded the bases, a sacrifice fly from right fielder Logan Hugo gave J.C. the lead, before Johnson blew the game open with a two-run double. When the frame came to a close, the Doughboys led 4-1.

In the final third of the game, the River Riders were able to work two walks and a hit by pitch on top of a single; however, they were unable to get a run against reliever David Utagawa, who walked away with a three inning save after the night was done.

The River Riders are set to return to Johnson City on Sunday afternoon, as they look to finish their season series with the Doughboys. A doubleheader is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. in order to make up the rainout from Friday night as well as to play the regularly scheduled Sunday contest.

 

Final                    R      H      E      LOB

River Riders        1       5       1       8

Doughboys          4       5       1       5

 

W: Justin Guiliano (4-1)

L: Sean Hollister (1-2)

S: David Utagawa (1)