Petersburg, Va. – The Greenville Yard Gnomes fell to 0–5 on the season after a 14–7 road loss to the Tri-City Chili Peppers Thursday night. Keaton Ray led the way for the Chili Peppers (3–4), going 5-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs scored.
Tri-City jumped ahead early with a two-run home run from Zion Taylor in the first. The Chili Peppers doubled their lead in the second with a Jackson Woolwine single that scored Ray and Jacob Lee, putting them up 4–0.
The Yard Gnomes responded in a big way in the third with a five-run inning. Jake D’Altrui launched a three-run homer, plating Corey Berry and Kevin Wheeler. Moments later, David Lillis followed with a two-run shot, bringing home Jon Howard and giving Greenville its first lead of the night, 5–4.
Tri-City quickly tied the game in the bottom of the third on a Ray RBI single, then erupted for six runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to take firm control. Jaeden Carter started the rally by scoring on a bases-loaded walk. Ray followed with an RBI single, and Lee added two more with a base hit to left. Logan Janney and Woolwine each contributed RBI singles to cap the inning. In the fifth, Macho Santiago scored on a fielder’s choice, and Woolwine drove in Ray and Lee with another base knock.
Greenville added two late runs—Corey Berry scored on a wild pitch and Collin Hughes came home on a bases-loaded walk by Danny Ramirez—but the Gnomes couldn’t close the gap.
Seth Brooks picked up the win for Tri-City, tossing two hitless innings. Ben Myers took the loss for Greenville after allowing five earned runs and four walks in just one-third of an inning.
Up Next: The Yard Gnomes return home to Guy Smith Stadium on Friday night to host the Wilmington Sharks. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.