Bats remain hot in Lexington

The Gastonia Baseball Club remains atop the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball totem pole, entering the week of June 17 with the circuit’s best record at 32-15.

Gastonia is one game ahead of rival High Point in the South Division standings, the Rockers at 31-16 after eight straight wins. In the North Division, the York Revolution led the way with a score of 29-18. Reigning champion Lancaster is 25-22 after four straight losses.

Here’s a quick look at Gastonia Baseball Club’s last week of action, a road trip that saw the team play four of six games at the Lexington Legends.

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Tuesday June 11

Gastonia 14, Lexington 6: Shortstop Jack Reinheimer finished 5-for-6 with two doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored as the GBC took the series opener. Gastonia collected 16 basehits, six of which went for extra bases. Three of those went for home runs thanks to Eric De La Rosa, Jack Gatewood and Justin Wylie.

Wednesday June 12

Gastonia 11, Lexington 3: Gastonia’s bats stayed hot, posting a double-digit run total for the second straight night. Reinheimer led the way again, going 3-for-5, with Gatewood and Wylie each adding two hits. Starting pitcher Nick Wells threw 5⅔ innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on seven hits. Three Gastonia pitchers followed in relief and gave up no runs on two hits.

Thursday June 13

Lexington 6, Gastonia 5: Two runs in the bottom of the ninth allowed Lexington to walk away with its first win of the series. Reinheimer continued his assault on Lexington’s pitching, earning two hits, including a home run. Teammates Josh Stowers and Patrick Mazeika also scored two goals. The result ruined a solid start by Gastonia starter Mike Wright Jr., who allowed three runs on four hits with seven strikeouts in five innings.

Friday June 14

Lexington 8, Gastonia 6: For the second night in a row, a late Lexington flurry allowed it to walk away with a win. The Legends scored five in the bottom of the ninth, highlighted by a Korry Howell grand slam to steal the game. For Gastonia, Stowers and Gatewood each had two hits, with Wylie and Marc Flores each hitting home runs.

Saturday June 15

Gastonia 5, Lexington 4: Gastonia scored three runs in the seventh, ending a two-game skid. The GBC hit four extra-base hits, including Gatewood’s 13th home run of the season. More importantly, Gastonia’s relief pitchers showed their value, allowing no runs on a hit in five innings with 10 strikeouts.

Sunday June 16

Gastonia 12, Lexington 7: The GBC had 14 hits, with Flores, Gatewood, Stowers and Dean Miller each hitting home runs. Flores, Gatewood and Miller each had three hits, while Stowers and Kevin Watson Jr. earned two myself.

The coming week

June 18-20: vs. High Point rockers; the first pitch every evening at 7 p.m.
June 21-23: at Charleston Dirty Birds; The action kicks off at 6:35 PM on the first two nights, with the series finale at 4:05 PM
June 25-27: vs. High Point rockers; the first pitch every evening at 7 p.m.

Upcoming promotions

Wizard’s Night: Customers are encouraged to dress as magicians as part of this special promotion. It’s also a “Thirsty Thursday,” with the Gastonia Baseball Club offering special prices on select drinks.