The River City Rascals’ home losing streak reached six games on Friday night, with the Rascals dropping the series opener against the Evansville Otters by a score of 6-4 at CarShield Field. The Rascals have now lost four straight overall. They started the season 7-0 at home before the recent slide. The Otters were led by Toby Thomas, who had a grand slam and five total RBIs on the night.
The Rascals scored first, taking the early 1-0 lead on a Stephen Kerr sacrifice fly in the second inning. Toby hit the grand slam in the fifth, putting the Otters up 4-1. Mike Jurgella brought the Rascals within a run with a two-out, two-run double in the fourth, and Clint Freeman tied the game at four with an RBI fielder’s choice in the sixth. The Otters took the 6-4 lead on run-scoring singles from Thomas and Travis Harrison in the seventh.
Evansville starter Austin Nicely went five innings, allowing five hits, three run, two walks and striking out five. Otters reliever Sean Adler (2-2) earned the win and closer Mitchell Aker earned his ninth save.
Rascals starter Lucas Laster allowed four unearned runs in six innings, striking out three and walking three. Rascals reliever Jonny Ortiz (1-1) took the loss.
The Rascals (14-10) look to even up the series against the Otters (13-11) in the middle game of the series tomorrow night. The Rascals will be celebrating their 20th season in the city of O’Fallon, and former Rascals players will be in attendance. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm CT.
