Asheville, North Carolina, July 24, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling South Atlantic League game, the Bowling Green Hot Rods edged out the Asheville Tourists with a score of 5-4. Aidan Smith’s crucial two-run homer in the fifth inning helped the Hot Rods secure their victory and improve their season record. The game, held at McCormick Field, saw back-and-forth action, with both teams making significant plays. Despite a late rally from the Tourists, the Hot Rods’ bullpen sealed the win. The two teams are set to meet again in this six-game series.
Asheville, North Carolina
The Bowling Green Hot Rods edged out the Asheville Tourists with a narrow 5-4 victory in a South Atlantic League matchup on Tuesday. Aidan Smith’s two-run home run in the fifth inning played a crucial role in regaining the lead for the Hot Rods, who improved their season record to 48-41 and 14-11 in the second half of the season.
The game unfolded at McCormick Field in Asheville, where Bowling Green struck first, scoring two runs in the top of the third inning. Aidan Smith doubled with two outs, which set the stage for Emilien Pitre’s two-run homer to right field, granting the Hot Rods a 2-0 advantage.
However, the Asheville Tourists responded swiftly in the bottom of the fourth inning. Walker Janek led off with a walk, and Lucas Spence followed with a double, positioning runners on second and third. Kenni Gomez brought Janek home with a single, while Tyler Whitaker’s base hit scored two more runs, allowing the Tourists to take a 3-2 lead.
The Hot Rods regrouped in the fifth inning, regaining the lead with three runs. Jhon Diaz opened the inning with a walk, advancing to second base after an Adrian Santana sacrifice bunt. Aidan Smith then hit a pivotal two-run homer to left field, putting Bowling Green back on top at 4-3. Mac Horvath later walked and reached third base on a single by Noah Myers. Ryan Spikes then capped off the inning with a single that brought Horvath home, extending the Hot Rods’ lead to 5-3.
The Tourists attempted a comeback in the sixth inning when Luis Encarnacion hit a solo home run to left field, narrowing the score to 5-4. Despite this, Bowling Green’s bullpen, featuring Noah Beal, successfully held Asheville scoreless for the remainder of the game.
Noah Beal earned the win after pitching two innings of relief, allowing one run on two hits with one strikeout. Jack Snyder, who leads the league in saves, ensured the victory with a scoreless inning, marking his ninth save of the season. Nick Swiney, the losing pitcher, allowed three runs on three hits in his appearance on the mound.
The two teams are set to meet again for the second game of their six-game series on Wednesday at 5:35 p.m. CT. Bowling Green plans to send left-hander Garrett Gainey (0-3, 5.73) to the mound against Asheville’s righty, Derek True (2-4, 6.18).
Current Standings
The Bowling Green Hot Rods currently possess an overall record of 48-41, maintaining a second half record of 14-11. The Asheville Tourists, following this match, hold an overall record of 49-50 and are currently 10-14 in the second half of the season.
Game Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Hot Rods 5, Tourists 4 |
| Location | McCormick Field, Asheville, NC |
| Hot Rods Record | 48-41 (14-11 in 2nd half) |
| Tourists Record | 49-50 (10-14 in 2nd half) |
| Key Players | Aidan Smith, Emilien Pitre, Jack Snyder |
| Next Game | Wednesday, 5:35 p.m. CT |
FAQ
What was the final score of the Hot Rods vs. Tourists game?
The final score was Bowling Green Hot Rods 5, Asheville Tourists 4.
Who hit the decisive home run for the Hot Rods?
Aidan Smith hit a two-run homer to help the Hot Rods regain the lead in the fifth inning.
How did Bowling Green’s bullpen perform in the game?
Bowling Green’s bullpen, led by Noah Beal, kept the Tourists scoreless after the sixth inning, securing the victory.
When is the next game between the Hot Rods and the Tourists?
The next game is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:35 p.m. CT.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenville Drive Triumphs Over Bowling Green Hot Rods
Greensboro Grasshoppers Achieve Second Perfect Game
Greensboro Grasshoppers Triumph Over Bowling Green Hot Rods
Kentucky Tourism Industry Sees Significant Growth in Bowling Green
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Additional Resources
- BG Daily News: Hot Rods vs. Tourists
- Wikipedia: South Atlantic League
- WLOS: Back and Forth Contest Ends in Tourists Loss
- Google Search: Bowling Green Hot Rods
- BG Daily News: Hot Rods Game Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- MILB: Hot Rods Clobber Tourists
- Google News: Asheville Tourists
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
