The REX played their second home game of the season last night against the Springfield Sliders. They were looking to bounce back after being shutout against the Lafayette Aviators the night before. The Sliders entered the night with a 3-2 record.
The REX continued their tradition of starting off games hot. Shortstop Kody Putnam reached second on an error and then first baseman Rob Weissheier singled. Left fielder Alec Brunson then stepped up to the box. He took a big swing and sent a three-run bomb over the center field wall to give them a quick 3-0 lead. Starting pitcher Cole Whitlock had a great start as he shut down the Sliders for five innings with five strike outs. He only allowed three hits and one walk.
The Sliders finally got their bats going in the bottom of the sixth as they scored two runs off of relief pitcher Jacob LaFary. Wabash Valley’s Own responded in the bottom of the seventh when second baseman Sean Becker crossed home plate on a double by center fielder Alec Atkinson.
Entering the ninth the REX led the Sliders 4-2. This is where things got interesting. Jake Nitch came in for the REX for the save attempt. The Sliders were able to heat up their bats again as they scored two more runs to tie the game at four entering the bottom of the ninth. Third baseman Clay Wisner struck out to start the inning and then designated hitter Nate Wolf did the same. With two outs, catcher Canton Terry was able to earn a walk. Becker moved Terry over to second on a single. Atkinson made his way to the batter’s box and swung at the first pitch. That proved to be a good idea as he hit an RBI double that scored Terry and walked it off for the REX! The REX have now won three of their last four. As Atkinson put it last night, “The REX are hot!”
The REX play tonight at 8:05 pm EST against the Cape Catfish!
Go REX!