Josh Stowers recorded a pair of two-run singles on Friday night, as his 3-for-4 performance powered Gastonia to a 9-3 win over Long Island.
Going by the “Gastonia Bolognia” for the home stand as part of the “What If” takeover, the Club won its fourth straight game by taking down the Ducks in the first game of the weekend series.
Stowers singled in his first plate appearance in the opening frame, rolling a slow grounder over to third that he beat out easily.
Jake Gatewood and Patrick Mazeika each recorded run-scoring base hits in the first, helping Gastonia tie the game at 2.
Stowers gave the Bolognia the lead in the second, with the first of his two run-producing singles. A sharp knock into left made it 4-2 Gastonia.
The center fielder walked and came around to score on a Kevin Watson Jr. single in the fourth, and ended his evening with another pair of RBIs in the eighth.
The final line on Stowers: 3-for-4, 4 RBIs, BB, SB, R
Brett Daniels got the start for the Club, and it was one of his best outings of the season.
The right-hander allowed a two-run homer to Chance Sisco in the first inning.
And then he cruised through the Long Island lineup.
Daniels went seven innings, allowing three runs on four hits. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out six – all swinging.
Daniels gave his team length, throwing 95 pitches and keeping Gastonia in front from the second inning on, and he picked up his first win of 2024.
Just like Stowers, Jake Gatewood also helped his starting pitcher out on Friday night.
The third baseman hit his 11th homer of the year, a solo shot in the third inning to put the team up 5-2.
Gatewood has now hit 150 home runs in his pro career.
Gabe Klobosits and Steffon Moore each pitched a scoreless frame to close the door on the Ducks and help Gastonia win its fourth straight contest.
Gastonia improved to 26-13 on the season after the 9-3 victory, going up three games on High Point for first place in the South.
The Bolognia look to take the series on Saturday, with first pitch at 7 p.m.