REX Baseball played game two of their road series against the Lafayette Aviators tonight. The REX entered tonight with a 2-3 record and were looking for their third win in a row. The Aviators were 3-2 and looking for revenge as the REX spoiled Lafayette’s first game at New Loeb Stadium.
The REX fell behind quickly for the second game in a row. The Aviators scored one in the bottom of the first to score the first run of the game. Starting pitcher and Terre Haute native Brayton Reed got into a rhythm after giving up that first run on a ground out. Reed ended up pitching seven innings including six straight shutout innings. He had five strike outs, two walks, and four hits allowed.
The REX were able to load the base in the top of the eighth with two outs, but were unable to cross home plate. Things went south for Wabash Valley’s Own in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Aviators scored on a two RBI double by catcher Trevor Johnson. They followed that up with an RBI single by shortstop Gregory Ozuna that scored Johnson. The REX threatened with two outs in the top of the ninth. Third baseman Clay Wisner singled and the catcher Canton Terry doubled. The Terry double advanced Wisner to third base. Unfortunately, the REX would go no further as a strike out by second baseman Sean Becker ended the game. The Aviators won the game 4-0 and gave Lafayette their first win at New Loeb Stadium. Reed was saddled with the loss while Aviators' pitcher Chase Stratton was awarded the win. Aviators' pitcher Kaleb Honea recorded the save.
The REX are back in action tomorrow night at Bob Warn Field to take on the Springfield Sliders at 6:30 PM EST.