Wertz Totals Five RBIs as Otters Win Fourth Straight
Published on May 22, 2015 under Frontier League (FL)
Evansville Otters News Release
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The Evansville Otters (5-2) received a career-high five runs batted in from designated hitter Kurt Wertz Jr. and a quality start by pitcher Preston Olson in a 10-1 victory against the Florence Freedom (5-2) on Friday night. The victory was a season-high fourth straight win for the Otters.
Evansville jumped ahead of Florence with a two-run home run from outfielder Chris Sweeney in the second inning. It was his 21st home run in an Otters uniform, eighth most in franchise history.
Down by two, Florence drew closer with an RBI groundout from Daniel Fraga in the third.
Ahead 2-1, Evansville rallied for five more runs in the third. Infielder Shayne Houck started the scoring with an RBI double, first baseman Nik Balog followed with a run producing single and Wertz Jr. added a three run home run later in the inning. The blast was the first career home run for Wertz Jr. and gave the Otters a 7-1 advantage.
Up by six, Evansville reached double digits with a three run fifth. Wertz Jr. struck again with a two-run double and infielder Josh Allen tacked on a run scoring single to right field.
Olson (2-0) received the win, yielding just one run on two hits in 6.0 innings. He only walked one batter while also striking out three. Relievers Brandon Shimo and Jake Raffaele combined to throw the final three innings for the Otters 10-1 win.
Wertz led the Otters offensively, going 2-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored and five RBIs. First baseman Nik Balog finished 3-for-5 with three hits, three runs scored and an RBI. Sweeney ended the night 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs as well.
The Otters and Freedom will meet again on Saturday, May 23 at historic Bosse Field. It is Toyota Manufacturing Activities Association Night at the ballpark. Evansville will have right-hander Trevor Walch (0-1, 4.76 ERA) on the hill against Florence righty David Duncan (0-0, 0.00 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. CDT.
Fans can purchase tickets by calling the team's front office at 812.435.8686 or online at EvansvilleOtters.com.
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