Yesterday, the REX were looking to bounce back after a 10-0 defeat to the hands of the Danville Dans. They would get their chance for revenge quickly as they were taking on the Dans again. The Dans, on the other hand, were trying to continue their winning ways over the REX this year.
The REX started of the bottom of the first inning hot. First baseman Nate Wolf singled and the left fielder Alec Brunson hit a dinger over the wall to give Wabash Valley's Own a quick 2-0 lead. The home run was Brunson's seventh of the season and his third in four games. In the bottom of the second inning the REX would add to their lead. Shortstop Kody Putnam singled and then second baseman Colter Couillard-Rodak hit an RBI double that saw Putnam cross home plate.
The Dans were able to tie the game after they scored one in the sixth and two in the seventh. Right fielder Jack Leverenz did not seem to enjoy the game being tied. He walked up to the batter's box and sent the second pitch he saw out to the grass parking lot to give the REX a 4-3 lead. From there it would be the REX's defense that saved the day. Pitcher Alex Reinoehl turned a double play in the eighth when he caught a pop up bunt and caught the runner at second!
The play of the night came in the top of the ninth with two outs and a man on third for the Dans. Dans' catcher Angelo Peraza hit a fly ball that sent Brunson sprinting. That's when Brunson put his body on the line and dove to his right to try to win the game. When he came up, the ball was in his glove, the ballgame was over and the REX won! Another notable performance was pitcher Cole Gilley. He went 5.1 innings, had nine strike outs and only allowed one run. The REX improved their record to 13-19 overall and 1-2 in the second half of the season.
The REX are back in action today at Bob Warn Field to take on the Lafayette Aviators as they resume their game that was postponed and then play a second game. The games start at 3:30 PM EST!
Go REX!