(Burlington, IA) - The Burlington Bees (22-33) scored two runs in the ninth to beat the Beloit Snappers (29-28), 7-6, on Tuesday night at Community Field.
(Burlington, IA) - The Burlington Bees (22-33) scored two runs in the ninth to beat the Beloit Snappers (29-28), 7-6, on Tuesday night at Community Field.
Sam McDonnell got the Bees' offense started in the second inning by smashing a lead off triple off the wall in right field. After a walk to Jack Kruger, John Schuknecht grounded a double down the left field line, scoring both McDonnell and Kruger, giving the Bees a 2-0 lead. Julian Leon wasted little time, pulling a first pitch double to left, scoring Schuknecht, extending the Bees' lead to 3-0.
The Bees added two more to their lead in the third inning. Keith Grieshaber singled to start the frame and moved to second on a walk issued to Jordan Zimmerman. After both runners advanced on a groundout, Jack Kruger drove in Grieshaber with a sacrifice fly, upping the Bees' lead to 4-0. Zimmerman then came into score on a balk, making it 5-0 lead for the Bees.
Beloit got their first run on the board in the fourth inning. Nate Mondou worked a lead-off walk and stole second base. with two outs, Trace Loehr knocked a single to left, scoring Mondou, making the score 5-1. Beloit made it a one-run game in the the sixth inning thanks to a Jason Goldstein three-run home run, cutting the Bees' lead to 5-4.
The Snappers capped off their comeback in the ninth inning. With one out, Eric Mariñez singled and then scored when Luis Barrera tripled to left, tying the game. Luke Persico then gave Beloit the lead with a sacrifice fly, putting the Snappers in front, 6-5.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Juan Moreno drew a walk and then moved to third on a Keith Grieshaber two-out single. After an intentional walk of Jordan Zimmerman, Sam McDonnell hit a infield single to second that was thrown away, allowing two runs to score, giving the Bees the 7-6 win.
Bees' reliever Ty Barkell (1-0) earned the win while Snappers' reliever Mitchell Jordan (1-5) was charged with the loss.
The Bees and the Snappers continue the series on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m for Carpetland USA Kids Eat Free Wednesday. All kids ages 6-12 get a free hot dog and drink at the game with paid admission, sponsored by Carpetland USA. Erik Manoah Jr. makes the start for the Bees against Zack Erwin for Beloit. For tickets, visit gobees.com or stop by the Bees' office. For more information, call the Bees at (319)-754-5705.
NOTES: Joe Gatto struck out a season high eight batters while allowing just one run on four hits. Gatto's eight strikeouts ties Jesus Castillo and Nate Bertness for most strikeouts by a starter in a game this season. Keith Grieshaber extended his hitting streak to five games.
