Otter Four Run Eighth Inning Propels Evansville Win
Published on August 11, 2011 under Frontier League (FL)
Evansville Otters News Release
(EVANSVILLE, Ind.) - The Evansville Otters trailed by three runs for most of the game until a four run eighth inning moved the team ahead for a series ending 4-3 win over the Washington Wild Things.
Washington scored all of their runs in the first inning against Evansville left-hander Matt Zielinski. Kevyn Feiner tripled home the first run, scored on a sacrifice fly and saw a home run later in the inning from first baseman Doug Thennis that put the Otters behind 3-0.
Evansville was unable to score until the bottom of the eighth inning when Troy Frazier led off with a double and shortstop Greg Fontenot reached on a single. With runners on the corners, outfielder Alex Foltz hit a bunt down the first base line that just stayed fair and scored Frazier from third.
Down 3-1, infielder Joe Spiers then bunted an infield single towards the mound that pitcher Justin Hall threw wildly to right field. Greg Fontenot scored on the pitcher's error and Alex Foltz scored as well as outfielder Luis Rivera erratically threw the ball to the plate. Evansville tied up the game on that play and Spiers scored later in the inning on a sacrifice fly from outfielder Jamar Walton, who had not played since July 27th.
Holding the 4-3 advantage, Evansville manager Andy McCauley turned the ball over to closer Eric Massingham who retired the side in order to earn the victory.
Evansville avoids a possible sweep against Washington and also ended a five game losing streak in the win.
The Wild Things drops to 32-41 in the loss as the Otters are now 27-48 with the victory.
Reliever Mark Willinsky (1-0) is the winning pitcher. The right-hander making his second appearance as an Otter, threw a scoreless eighth inning. The loss goes to pitcher Justin Hall (7-6) who gave up four runs (two earned) in 7 2/3 innings. Closer Eric Massingham earned his 19th save of the season, which is second best in the Frontier League.
Otter starting pitcher Matt Zielinski did not factor into the decision. The lefty settled down after the first inning and just allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings pitched.
Evansville begins another series on Friday night against the Washington Wild Things. Righties Kyle Barry (2-6, 5.65 Earned Run Average for Evansville) and Thomas Campbell (4-2, 1.98 ERA this season for Southern Illinois/Washington) will face off against each other. It is also Henderson Chamber Night at the ballpark as first pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. CDT .
For tickets and more information on America's game and Evansville's team, please visit the Otters' official website at http://www.evansvilleotters.com . Fans can also call the team's front office at (812) 435-8686 about ticket information and any upcoming promotions.
Frontier League Stories from August 11, 2011
- Rascals One Win Away from Playoff Berth - River City Rascals
- Holdren's Triple Big Blow in Rascals' Win - Windy City ThunderBolts
- Crimmel Criminally Good as Slammers Blank Grizzlies - Joliet Slammers
- Pace on Base Six Times in 9-0 Win - Traverse City Beach Bums
- CornBelters Fall to Traverse City - Normal CornBelters
- Grizzlies Offense Goes Silent in Loss to Slammers - Gateway Grizzlies
- Miners Experience Joy of Shutout - Southern Illinois Miners
- Miners Sweep RiverHawks - Rockford RiverHawks
- Otter Four Run Eighth Inning Propels Evansville Win - Evansville Otters
- Wild Things Lose Early Lead and Game to Otters, 4-3 - Washington Wild Things
- Crushers Win Ninth Straight - Lake Erie Crushers
- Freedom Swept by Lake Erie - Florence Y'alls
- Make Your Plans to be the 1,000,000th Fan Tonight - Windy City ThunderBolts
- August 11 Joliet Slammers Game Notes - Joliet Slammers
- 3rd Annual Guns Vs. Hoses Softball Showdown Saturday at GCS Ballpark - Gateway Grizzlies
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
