APPALACHIAN LEAGUE: Despite Long's effort, BriSox suffer fifth straight defeat

BRISTOL, Va. – Not even a 26-year-old pitching prospect on an injury rehabilitation assignment from Class AA could cure the struggles of the Bristol White Sox.

BriSox starter Matt Long pitched well but was still tagged with the loss as Bristol’s misfortunes continued in a 6-0 setback to the Elizabethton Twins on Monday night at DeVault Stadium.

Bristol (11-16) saw its losing streak extended to five games and fell further out of playoff contention.

The Sox were hurt by four errors, managed just five hits and were overpowered by Elizabethton starting pitcher Adrian Salcedo.

There was a hint of good news, however. The BriSox do not have to play Elizabethton again, a fortunate circumstance considering the team was 1-8 against their West Division rivals
this summer.

“We’re in a funk,” said Bristol manager Ryan Newman. “We’ll battle out of it. We’ve just got to keep showing up every day and playing hard. Pretty soon it’s going to have to go our
way.”

Long provided a bright spot for the BriSox.

He began the season with Class AA Birmingham, going 4-5 with a 5.14 ERA in 13 starts. However, a twinge in his shoulder sent him to the disabled list.

In his second start for Bristol, he yielded one run on two hits and struck out three over four innings.

“I had a little bit of tightness in the back of my shoulder,” Long said. “I’m just here to loosen up. I’ve been having time off and I’m just trying to work and get the reps in and make
sure everything’s good.”

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound right hander retired the first nine batters he faced. The only blemish on Long’s night came in the fourth, when Elizabethton’s Andy Leer collected a two-out
RBI single to put the Twins on top for good.

“The fastball and everything felt good,” Long said. “I just felt the conditioning in the legs was a little lacking toward the last couple of innings. Overall, I’m very satisfied.”

The fourth-year pro from Ohio has gained some newfound respect for his teammates. Long bypassed rookie ball, going straight to Low-Class A Kannapolis (N.C.) after being drafted in the second round of the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft.

Now, he’s experiencing life on the lowest rung of the minor league ladder.

“It really puts things in perspective and lets me appreciate where I am,” Long said. “It makes me want to do a little extra for these guys. Life’s tough for these guys down here.
They’ve got to work extra hard and might not get noticed.”

Long’s leadership hasn’t been overlooked by Newman.

“The way he’s carried himself has been fantastic,” Newman said. “It’s great for these guys to see and be around a AA guy like that.
“Really we’re just trying to get him back into pitching shape. He came here after throwing some [simulated] games and stuff. He’s really trying to stretch his arm out and get his pitches and innings up.”

While the BriSox suffered through another rough loss, Long took a step forward in his personal battle.

“It’s a positive feeling to get up there and have a good outing,” he said. “You’ve got to stay positive. It’s always tough coming off an injury.”

NOTES: Salcedo struck out 11 Bristol hitters in eight impressive innings. … Qualon Millender led Bristol with two hits. … Bristol was outscored 27-5 in the four-game series. … Bristol begins a three-game road series at Greeneville tonight. The BriSox return home on Friday to host the Pulaski Mariners.

thayes@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Hayes_BHCSports | (276) 645-2570