Bats Drop Middle Game to RailRiders, 3-1
May 30, 2018 - International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A pair of home runs in the top of the second proved costly as the Louisville Bats (16-33) fell, 3-1, to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (24-27) Wednesday evening at Louisville Slugger Field. The Bats' offense was stifled by RailRiders pitching, mustering only two hits in their third-consecutive loss.
In his second rehab start with Louisville, Anthony DeSclafani pitched solidly in a losing effort, going 6.1 innings with seven hits, two earned runs and two strikeouts. SWB right-hander David Hale picked up his first victory of the year as he only allowed two hits and one earned with three strikeouts over 6.1 innings of work. RailRiders reliever Joe Harvey earned his first save of the season with two strikeouts in the ninth.
After a quiet first frame for both sides, SWB designated hitter Mike Ford tallied the game's first run as he homered to right, his second-straight night with a dinger. Two batters later, right fielder Billy McKinney continued his streaking series by also homering in back-to-back contests, this time sending a shot over the right-center field fence. The RailRiders threatened with consecutive singles, but DeSclafani evaded more trouble with a strikeout to end the inning. McKinney starred for SWB, going 3-for-4 as he nearly hit for the cycle, only needing a single to complete the feat.
Following a SWB threat in the top of the fourth, Louisville finally tallied a hit in the bottom half as left fielder Rosell Herrera doubled to right. Herrera would later come around to score on a two-out line drive to center off the bat of first baseman D.J. Peterson. Even as DeSclafani settled in for the rest of his outing, the Bats were unable to lend any support, going hitless for the final 5.1 innings. In the bottom of the eighth, they were unable to convert with two on as a flyout and fielder's choice shut the door on a late rally.
In the top of the ninth, McKinney led off with a triple to left, followed by center fielder Shane Robinson reaching on a fielding error by pitcher Kevin Quackenbush. McKinney would later score on a sacrifice fly to left, giving SWB an insurance run. In the bottom half of the frame, the Bats earned a two-out walk, but tying run Dilson Herrera would strike out to close the game.
The Bats and RailRiders will close out their three-game set Thursday evening at Louisville Slugger Field with first pitch set for 7 p.m. Right-hander Robert Stephenson (4-4, 3.59) goes for Louisville as SWB counters with right-hander Erik Swanson (0-0, 4.22). Stephenson has won each of his last three starts, including a 10-2 win last Wednesday at Indianapolis. The Bats will be looking for a much-needed win to close out May as a loss will set the franchise record for losses in a month at 23, breaking a record set last by the Redbirds in August 1993.
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