Charleston’s Luis de Avila and Maceo Campbell combined to three-hit Gastonia on Friday night.
The Dirty Birds wasted that pitching effort, though, leaving nine runners on base in a 4-1 setback in an Atlantic League series opener at GoMart Ballpark.
De Avila took the hard-luck decision, allowing four runs – two earned – on three hits in seven innings. He struck out six Ghost Peppers and walked none.
James Nelson and Joseph Rosa each had three hits for Charleston (19-27 second half, 49-60 overall). Rosa hit a solo home run for the lone Dirty Birds run. Nelson doubled twice.
Eric De La Rosa went deep for Gastonia (27-19 second half, 55-54 overall).
Thomas King got the win in relief, pitching around a walk in a scoreless sixth frame.
Prep boys soccer
WINFIELD 5, SISSONVILLE 0: Four Gene