The REX entered last night after a tough loss to the Lafayette Aviators earlier in the week. After winning five of their last six games they were looking to get back into victory lane against the Springfield Sliders. The Sliders were looking to turn their fortunes around as they currently sit at the bottom of the Prairie Land Division in the second half of the season.
The REX took the lead in the top of the second inning when center fielder Tyler Nelson crossed home plate. The third inning brought good fortune to the REX as they were able to extend their lead. First baseman Nate Wolf continued his dominance at the plate with a two RBI two-bagger that scored third baseman Kaleb Hannahs and left fielder Alec Brunson. Wolf went on to score on a single by catcher Kyle Harbison and the designated hitter Dylan Janke would score on a single by shortstop Kody Putnam. The Sliders fought back in the bottom of the third with two runs to cut the REX lead to 5-2.
The top of the fourth felt almost as good as the third for Wabash Valley's Own. Janke extended the lead with a two-run bomb that scored Brunson. Harbison was then able to knock in Nelson on a single later in the inning. The Sliders would respond with three runs of their own to cut the lead to 8-5. In the following inning, second baseman Alec Atkinson would score on a double by Hannahs to extend the lead to 9-5. The Sliders were able to score one more, but the REX held on for a 9-6 victory. Pitcher Brayton Reed earned the win and pitcher Alex Reinoehl earned the save. The REX improved their second half record to 6-6.
The REX play again tonight. They are taking on the Champion City Kings at 6:35 PM EST in Ohio.
GO REX!