Although rain forced Asheville’s season opener back by a day, the Tourists seem to be in mid-season form already, starting the year off with an 11-1 blowout of the Hagerstown Suns.
20-year-old Erick Julio got the start for Asheville, giving his team five excellent innings of one-run ball. The Columbian right-hander walked just one batter, allowed six hits (including a home run), and struck out two.
On the offensive side, prospects Jose Gomez and Colton Welker led the way. Gomez, who hit .367 in 66 games with Grand Junction last year, had three hits, including a double, and added a stolen base for good measure.