EVANSVILLE, IN–The River City Rascals earned their second straight win on Friday night at historic Bosse Field, beating the Evansville Otters by a score of 5-3 in the series opener between the two teams. The season series is now tied at two games apiece.
The Otters struck first with an RBI double from Toby Thomas in the third, but the Rascals responded with a a three-run fourth, getting an RBI double from Gage West and a two-run single from Paul Kronenfeld. The Otters tied the game in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run homer from Zach Welz, his second of the year. The Rascals scored the go-ahead run in the sixth on another RBI double from West, and added the insurance run in the top of the ninth on an RBI double from Ransom LaLonde. The Otters had runners at first and second in the bottom of the ninth, but Rascals closer Cody Mincey struck out the side to earn his 12th save of the season.
Josh Kimborowicz (2-2) earned the win for the Rascals, going six innings and allowing three runs, while walking two and striking out four. Relievers Tanner Wilt and Chad Gendron each pitched a perfect frame in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively.
Evansville starter Luc Rennie (4-1) took the loss, allowing four runs, three earned, in seven innings. He walked one and struck out seven.
The Rascals (23-20) take on the Otters (23-19) in Game 2 tomorrow night, trailing the Otters by just a half-game for first place in the Frontier League’s West Division. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm CT. Dan Ludwig is scheduled to start for the Rascals.
