Offense Struggles in 7-1 loss to Chaos

ASHEVILLE, N.C.– The Asheville Redbirds scored one run for the third straight game and allowed five unearned runs in a 7-1 loss to the Carolina Chaos on Monday at Greenwood Field.

The loss was Asheville’s sixth straight and ninth in the last 10 games. Thomas Nelson got the game to a fast start for the Redbirds as he was hit by a pitch and then stole second base. Scott Russell singled home Nelson to give Asheville a 1-0 lead but that would be the only run the Redbirds would score.

Carolina tied the game in the fourth inning. Ryan Kinder singled to lead off the inning and stole second base. With two outs, Ross Hewlett singled off the glove of the Asheville first basemen to tie the game.

In the sixth, John Glancy singled to lead off and was sacrificed to second base. Again with two outs, Blake Newsome grounded to shortstop. The throw to first base was wild and Glancy scored the go ahead run. The next batter, Kellen Kmiecik tripled home Newsome and then Hewlett stroked a two run home run to right field to complete the four run rally.

The Chaos added two insurance runs in the ninth. Hewlett who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored walked to lead off the inning. Brad Arnett singled in front of Asheville’s third error of the game that scored Hewlett. Arnett would score from third on a double play ground to make the final score 7-1.

Craig Robinson picked up the win going six innings giving up one run on three hits. He allowed one walk and struck out six Redbirds. Justin Smith picked up the save going three innings allowing just one hit.

Erik Stewart suffered the loss despite giving up one earned run. He threw 5.2 innings allowing five runs, one earned, on seven hits while striking out seven Chaos batters. The Redbird bullpen was better on Monday throwing 3.1 innings allowing two runs, one earned, on two hits while walking just one batter.

The two teams will play again on Wednesday in South Carolina.