PULASKI -- Fifteen total runs are recorded and the winning run scores on a bases loaded walk. So how could terrific pitching be the difference in the Pulaski Blue Jays 8-7 victory over the Greeneville Astros?

The pitching absolutely was the key to a Blue Jays Appalachian League triumph viewed by an audience of 643 Calfee Park patrons Thursday night.

Pulaski relievers Ezemir Reinoso and Scott Byrnes combined for six scoreless innings as the Jays (27-28) rallied from 7-3 to take two of three from the Astros (20-33), owners of the worst record on the circuit.

"No question about it, the relievers were great for us tonight," said Rich Morales, acting manager in the absence of Dave Pano, off for a couple of days to tend to personal business in Florida. "It wasn't just three up and three down for them, either. They both had to pitch their way out of some jams."

Reinoso surrendered five of the Astros' 13 hits, but none amounted to anything. A double play to end the sixth helped his cause.

Another twin killing ended the seventh, the first innings of work for former Purdue Boilermaker Byrnes. He stayed around to the finish, earning his second win in three decisions, and gave up only two hits while striking out a pair and walking none.

"Great job by Byrnsie and Reinoso for holding them there for us," DH Anthony Hatch said. "When you fall behind as far as we did early, you have to depend on your bullpen to keep you in the game so you can come back."

Hatch and cleanup hitter Paul Franko did their part in the rally, each belting a home run. Franko's came in the first to spark a three-run uprising that was soon squandered. Hatch added his fourth bomb of the season, a two-run shot, in the third.

"I was sitting fastball and he threw me a curve, but he hung it," Hatch said.

Franko's third RBI (matching Hatch) came on the full sacks walk that snapped a 7-7 tie.

Note

Koby Clemens of Greeneville, the son of Roger Clemens, went 1-for-4 to leave his average for the year at .342. Having played in 21 games with 73 at-bats, Clemens does not qualify for the league lead in average.

Greeneville 160 000 000 -- 7 13 3

Pulaski 303 010 01x -- 8 10 4

Hirsh, Bass (5), Garate (8) and Henrique. Bigley, Reinoso (4), Byrnes (7) and Jaspe. W -- Byrnes (2-1). L -- Bass (1-3). HR -- Florentino (G), second, two on; Franko (P), 1st, one on; Hatch (P), 3rd, one on.