FL River City Rascals

Rascals Tie Otters For First With Win

Published on June 16, 2008 under Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


O'Fallon, MO - In a series fighting for first place in the Frontier League West Division, the River City Rascals delivered the first blow downing the Evansville Otters 2-1 to move into a tie for first.

The win for the Rascals came on a day when they released infielders Andy Bettis and Greg Stone, and signing infielder Ryan Wehrle, outfielder A.J. Van Slyke, and right handed pitcher Dustin Corbett in an attempt to help the lowest scoring offense in the league.

Evansville scored to start the game in the top of the second inning. After an overthrow to first by third baseman Brad Hough, Evansville's Daniel Burton reached second base. Burton scored after being moved to third on a wild pitch and a single by Isaac Omura.

River City followed suit in the bottom half of the inning by adding a run of their own. Andrew Sweet batted in the leadoff spot and singled to left field. Phil Laurent stepped up next and reached base when he hit a line drive up the middle. After a failed bunt attempt by Jacob DeBoer was popped up, Sweet was able to score on a fielder's choice and RBI by Wehrle.

The Rascals took the lead in the sixth, after both teams went scoreless for three innings. With one out, Jeff Miller singled to center field to get on base. After back-to-back walks, Jacob DeBoer stepped up with bases loaded and hit an RBI single up the middle to score Miller and make the score 2-1 Rascals and proving to be the game winner.

Starting pitcher Danny Powers (2-1) went 6.2 innings with five strikeouts for his second straight win. He was helped by his bullpen tossing 2.1 innings of relief. Mike Benacka got his sixth save of the season closing out the game for the Rascals allowing no runs. Michael Hyde (1-3) took the loss for Evansville giving up the two runs to the Rascals in the second and sixth innings.

"You know, it doesn't matter how you win, as long as you win," said Rascals Manager Toby Rumfeld after the game. "You really can't say enough for our bullpen. Benacka, Logan, all the guys have been doing great for us."

The Otters blew multiple chances with runners on-base, stranding 10 for the game and six in scoring position.

The Rascals (14-11) will play the second game of the series against the Evansville Otters (14-10) on Tuesday night at T.R. Hughes Ballpark. Gates will open at 6:05 p.m. an the game begins at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available by calling (636) 240-BATS or going online to www.rivercityrascals.com.

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Frontier League Stories from June 16, 2008


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