Sports
‘Cats Down Rockets, Nix Losing Streak
< < Back to cats-down-rockets-nix-losing-streakIt took an extra inning, but Ohio’s 12-game losing streak came to an end on Saturday. Jake Madsen roped a double down the right field line in the top of the tenth inning, scoring Mitch Longo from first base. The run would be enough to put the Bobcats on top 3-2.
Jake Rudnicki got the starting nod for Ohio and pitched wonderfully for eight and two-thirds innings. Rudnicki gave up eight hits, two earned runs, and struck out four. The biggest note to take away from Rudnicki’s outing is that he did not walk a single batter, which has been a constant struggle for the Bobcats so far this season.
The ‘Cats did have a chance to close it out in regulation, but Jacob North singled in the game-tying run. Toledo also had a chance for a walk-off win, but Spencer Sapp closed out the Rockets chances, stranding two runners on base. Sapp will receive credit for the win, his first of the season, as he faced the final batter in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Longo did sustain an injury in the 10th inning, following his single. At this point nothing has been confirmed besides Longo’s trip to the hospital.
Jake Madsen finished the game 3 for 5 from the plate with two RBIs. It is Madsen’s 14th multi-hit game this season. Madsen wasn’t the only Bobcat to tally multiple hits, as Chandler Geller finished 2 for 5 from the batter’s box.
Toledo’s starting pitcher, Sam Shutes, also had a solid outing on the mound for the Rockets. His day spanned across six full innings of work giving up seven hits, two earned runs, two walks, and fanned six. He picked up a no decision while Caleb Shillace picked up the loss as he was charged for the final run that Ohio scored in the tenth inning.
All Rockets except Jacob North struggled to make contact with Ohio’s pitching. North finished the game 3 for 4 with an RBI.
The Bobcats’ second run came on an RBI single through the left side of the infield off of the bat of Garrett Black. However, Ohio would go on to strand the bases loaded to finish that inning.
With the win, the Bobcats improve to 7-29 (3-12) overall. Ohio will look to win their first series under head coach Rob Smith in the series finale Sunday at 1:05 pm.