BRISTOL, Va. — Bristol White Sox manager Bobby Thigpen had several reasons to be optimistic Tuesday.
The White Sox collected 12 hits, played solid infield defense and got a solid performance from their starting pitcher.
It still wasn’t enough for a win, however.
In a 12-inning marathon, the Johnson City Cardinals opened the Appalachian League season with a 6-3 decision before 847 fans at DeVault Stadium.
Bristol posted a 25-43 record last season, good enough for fourth in the West Division.
“We’re a better team; we’re going to compete,” Thigpen said. “It’s just heartbreaking for us to go 12 innings right off the bat and then lose it.
“This team is going to win a lot more games than last year. I feel pretty confident about that. We’ve got some speed, and I think our pitching is better.”
First baseman Jorge Castillo, catcher Orlando Santos, left fielder Misael Tavarez, shortstop Juan Silverio and right fielder Jordan Kendall all collected two hits for Bristol.
Meanwhile, Silverio and second baseman Luis Sierra contributed solid defense.
“There are definitely some positives,” Thigpen said. “We pitched well until the last inning, played pretty good defense and we’ve got some guys that can hit.”
With two members of the White Sox organization watching, starting pitcher Lucas Harrell allowed just three hits and one earned run while striking out five over the first three innings.
“He made one bad pitch with a lazy breaking ball which cost him a run, but the overall results were good,” Thigpen said.
Meanwhile, six-foot-10 left-hander Garrett Johnson used a knee-bending slider to strike out five in his two innings of hitless relief.
“I had great command of my slider and everything felt good,” Johnson said. “I’m real pleased with our game and team, especially being here last year.
“We’re all getting along, and I think we’re going to have a great season.”
The Cardinals used two errors and a two-single from Brett Lilley to score three runs in the 12th.
“Our errors were more mental, but they will learn,” Thigpen said.
“ …The fans got their money’s worth.”
Bristol hosts Johnson City the next two nights at 7.
Johnson City 010 001 100 03-6 9 1
Bristol 000 100 200 00-3 12 3
Hooker, Mateo (5), Zawacki (6), Rondon (10), Mayes (12) and Castro. Harrell, Infante (4), Johnson (8), Asselin (10), Mota (12) and Santos W-Rondon (1-0). L-Mota (0-1) S-Mayes (1). HR-Bogany (JC) 6th, none on.
agregory@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2544
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