Evansville LHP Chad James Throws First No-Hitter in Otters History
July 10, 2014 - Frontier League (FL)
Evansville Otters News Release
(EVANSVILLE, INDIANA) - Left-handed pitcher Chad James threw the first no-hitter in Evansville Otters history (1723 games) in the team's doubleheader split (10-0 win, 4-3 loss) against the Traverse City Beach Bums on Wednesday night.
James struck out a season-high 14 batters in the contest and allowed just four walks in the game one win. He induced a pop-up from infielder Kevin Taylor to the shortstop to earn the final out and etch his name in Otters history.
Evansville outfielder Chris Sweeney went 5-for-6 on the day with two home runs and five RBIs.
Evansville rallied early in game on with a five run first inning and a three run second. Facing pitcher Alex Phillips, the Otters batted around in the first getting a three-run home run from All-star third baseman and a two run homer by Sweeney. All-star infielder Josh Allen added a two run home run in the fifth for a 10-0 Otters advantage. The run support was plenty for James who retired eight batters in a row earlier in the game and seven of the last eight to complete the no-hitter.
Traverse City started game two with a bunt single by outfielder Greg Harisis against Evansville pitcher Taylor Dennis. Harisis scored later in the inning on a sacrifice fly from first baseman Yazy Arbelo. The Beach Bums and Otters traded runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings with each team scoring one run each in every one of those half innings. Every team Evansville cut the deficit to one, Traverse City found a way to answer back and push the lead up to two in the next half inning. Ahead 4-3 in the seventh, All-Star closer D.J. Johnson retired the last three batters he faced to preserve the win.
Sweeney finished game two with three hits and a triple shy of the cycle. Outfielder Chris Elder collected five hits in the doubleheader with two runs scored and an RBI.
Evansville will go for the series win on Thursday against Traverse City. Right-hander Preston Olson (3-3, 2.92 ERA) will be on the mound for the Otters against Beach Bums RHP Casey Delgado (5-2, 2.36 ERA). It is Budweiser Military Appreciation night. A scholarship will be awarded to a student of a military member and there will be postgame fireworks extravaganza sponsored by Working Distributors. It is also Budweiser Thirsty Thursday with 16 ounce drafts for $2 and 32 ounce drafts for $4. Fans can also enjoy 25 ounce beer cans for only $4, something not available on any other Otters game night. The evening will start with first pitch at 6:35 pm CDT.
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