FL River City Rascals

Pitcher's Duel Ends in Favor of Joliet

Published on July 30, 2016 under Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


Sikes Orvis delivered a walk-off RBI single into right field leading the Joliet Slammers (35-28) to a 2-1 series opening win against the River City Rascals (30-33) Friday night at Silver Cross Field. Trailing 1-0 heading into the final frame, Kyle Gaedele and Clint Freeman put together back-to-back singles off of Mitchell Osnowitz and then both got into scoring position after a wild pitch. Mike Jurgella drew a walk to load the bases and Slammers manager Jeff Isom went to his regular closer Brent Choban.

Having lost six games already on the year, Choban allowed the tying run to come into score on the first pitch via a sacrifice fly from Jason Merjano. The bases became loaded again when Willi Martin drew a walk and with the go-ahead run on third, Slammers shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez made a play on a hard hit ground ball from Robby Enslen and turned a controversial double play that got the Slammers out of the jam tied at one.

In the bottom of the ninth, Will Schierholz retired All-Star Carter Bell on a pop-out and then Michael Gunn came in for a lefty-lefty matchup against slugger Marc Flores.

With a full count, Flores reached on an infield single and then Melvin Rodriguez moved him into scoring position with a base hit into centerfield.

Zac Treece replaced Gunn and first baseman Sikes Orvis answered with a RBI single into right field to give the Slammers their walk-off victory in front of 2, 282 fans.

Prior to the ninth inning, it was a pitcher's duel throughout the game as Zeb Sneed picked up his ninth quality start of the year allowing just one run, a solo home run to Orvis in the seventh and took a no hit bid into the fifth.

His final line was 7 1/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits and struck out five.

His opposition was lefty Sean Townsley and he held the Rascals to just three hits and struck out seven. Two hits came from Willi Martin, including a leadoff double in the third and then the other hit was from Jason Merjano.

Both starters took a no decision, while Choban got the win to improve to 4-6 and Michael Gunn was tagged for the loss, his first of the year.

Friday night's game marked the tenth time the Rascals were held to one run or less and they will look to rebound Saturday with Jake Negrete on the mound.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at Silver Cross Field.

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Frontier League Stories from July 30, 2016


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