Preview: Asheville Tourists at Rome Braves

ROME, Ga. (Interstat) — The Asheville Tourists and Rome Braves will meet for the third time in as many days Saturday at State Mutual Stadium, with both clubs looking to gain an early edge in the series.

First pitch is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 82 degrees.

The Tourists (1-0) opened the season with a 4-3 victory on Thursday before falling 8-5 on Friday. They will send right-hander Dylan Howard to the mound. Howard will be making his season debut.

Rome (0-1), which seeks its first win, is expected to counter with its own starter following consecutive strong outings from its pitching staff to begin the year.

A key matchup will feature two pitchers who excelled in relief earlier in the series. Asheville’s Cole Hertzler, a player to watch, delivered 4 2/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts in Thursday’s win. For Rome, Cedric De Grandpre was equally sharp on Thursday, tossing four shutout innings with four strikeouts. Both could play pivotal roles again Saturday.

Asheville’s offense was sparked in the opener by second baseman Alejandro Nunez, who drove in three runs. Rome’s power came from shortstop John Gil, whose three RBIs included a home run.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Saturday’s contest projects to be another tight one, with a predicted final score of 4-3 in favor of Asheville.

Following the conclusion of this four-game set, the Tourists will embark on a six-game road trip to Greensboro beginning Tuesday. The Braves will hit the road for a six-game series at Bowling Green starting the same day.