Balog Bolsters Otters to Doubleheader Sweep of Gateway
Published on June 3, 2015 under Frontier League (FL)
Evansville Otters News Release
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The Evansville Otters (12-5) swept a doubleheader from the Gateway Grizzlies (4-14) on Wednesday night with a 5-4 victory in the opener and a 5-1 win in the finale.
Evansville first baseman Nik Balog recorded four hits and three runs batted in during the doubleheader.
In game one, Gateway scored three in the second and another run in the third for a 4-0 edge.
Trailing by four, the Otters capitalized on a Grizzlies third inning error to score their first run and infielder Shayne Houck added a two run home run later in the frame. The home run by Houck made the score 4-3 and also tied Houck with Nick Schwaner for second most home runs in franchise history (27).
Down by one, the Otters went ahead on a fifth inning two-run double from first baseman Nik Balog. It was Balog's third hit of the game and moved Evansville ahead 5-4.
Evansville pitchers retired the final 14 batters of the game for the one run victory. Reliever Connor Little (1-1) set down all six batters he faced for the win. Closer Edgar Lopez finished the contest by getting three straight outs in the seventh.
Balog was 3-for-3 in game one with two RBIs. Outfielder Ronnie Richardson also tallied two runs scored.
The Otters also took the advantage in game two with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first. After a pair of leadoff walks, Houck pushed Evansville ahead with an RBI groundout and outfielder Chris Sweeney added a run-producing single later in the inning.
Up 2-0, Balog tacked on another RBI with a double in the third. Infielder Cory Urquhart brought home two more runners later in the inning with a left field single for the 5-0 edge.
Gateway scored their only run in the sixth as Evansville completed the doubleheader sweep with a four-run victory. Pitcher Will Oliver (1-1) earned the win, allowing one run over 6.0 innings pitched.
Evansville and Gateway conclude the three game series on Thursday, June 4. It is Budweiser Thirsty Thursday at Bosse Field with drink specials throughout the night. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. CDT. Fans can purchase tickets by calling the team's front office at 812.435.8686 or online at EvansvilleOtters.com.
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