· By Whitney Hunt
McKeithan, Crook Fuel Gastonia’s 13–4 Rout of Dirty Birds
Charleston, WV – A five-hit night from Aaron McKeithan and a big fifth inning powered the Gastonia Ghost Peppers past the Charleston Dirty Birds, 13–4, Thursday evening at GoMart Ballpark.
Gastonia’s Offensive Stars:
- Aaron McKeithan went 5-for-5 with a double (2), an RBI, and three runs scored.
- Narciso Crook doubled (22), drove in three, and scored once.
- Justin Wylie added a 2-run single and stole his 31st base.
- Cole Roederer and Shed Long Jr. each drove in two.
Pitching Notes:
- Ljay Newsome (W, 4–3): 5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K.
- Three relievers combined for four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit.
Dirty Birds Highlights:
- James Nelson hit his 34th homer, a 3-run shot in the 2nd, finishing 2-for-5.
- Alsander Womack singled home a run and stole his 32nd base.
- Jaylen Smith added two hits.
Team Totals:
- Gastonia: 13 R, 14 H, 13 RBI, 1 2B, 5 SB
- Charleston: 4 R, 7 H, 4 RBI, 1 HR
Charleston jumped ahead early on Nelson’s blast, but Gastonia stormed back with three in the 5th and five in the 8th to take the series opener.