Middle Innings Haunt Otters in Loss
September 1, 2021 - Frontier League (FL)
Evansville Otters News Release
MARION, Ill. - After three scoreless innings to start their game Tuesday, the Evansville Otters could not overcome seven runs allowed in the middle three innings to the Southern Illinois Miners in a 7-0 loss.
Tuesday's series opener between the Otters and Miners started out as a pitcher's duel between Otters starter Ryan O'Reilly and Miners starter Zac Westcott. The first three innings went scoreless with limited offense either way.
However, the second time through the middle of the Miners' lineup went unfavorably to O'Reilly and the Otters.
In the fourth inning, Southern Illinois received an RBI double by Anthony Brocato, a two-RBI single from Arturo Nieto, and an RBI single off the bat of Nolan Earley. Miners led 4-0 through four.
Southern Illinois added two more runs in the fifth on a two-run home run by Ian Walters.
With the 6-0 lead, the Miners added their seventh run of the game in the sixth on Earley's second RBI single of the game.
For the Otters, they had a hit each from Josh Allen, Jeffrey Baez (double), Riley Krane (double), and Gary Mattis. All four hits were in the first six innings of play.
The last three innings went 1-2-3 for each side, respectively.
On the mound, Westcott picked up the win, striking out nine in seven innings. Relievers Blake Stelzer and Mitchell Walters combined for four strikeouts, splitting the last two innings of work.
On the hill for the Otters, O'Reilly took the loss, allowing six runs on eight hits in 4.1 innings.
In long relief, right-hander Jacob Bowles once again had a strong appearance. Bowles gave up only one run in 3.2 innings, while striking out three batters.
In Bowles' last three appearances, two of which have come against the Miners, the former University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagle has totaled 12.2 innings pitched with 10 strikeouts and has allowed only one earned run. He has not walked any hitters in his last five appearances.
Following Tuesday's games, the Otters are ahead of the Florence Y'alls by 1.5 games and 2.5 games ahead of the Southern Illinois Miners in the Frontier League West Division standings.
First pitch Wednesday for game two of the series is 7:05 p.m. from Rent One Park in Marion, Ill.
Evansville Otters broadcast coverage Wednesday can be found on the Evansville Otters Youtube channel.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up-to-date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call (812) 435-8686.
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