Snappers Overcome Sloppy Defense, Walk Off in 13

BELOIT, Wisc.- It isn't easy for a team to win a game when that team has committed seven errors on the night, but the Snappers somehow pulled off the feat in a ridiculous five-hour, 13-inning win over the River Bandits, 10-9. It was a wild game from start to finish, as Beloit and Quad Cities traded leads multiple times before it looked like the River Bandits had finally put the game away after a three-run top of the ninth, which put them up 9-4. However, an improbable five-run rally from the Snappers sent the game spiraling into extra innings, and the game lasted another two hours before Steven Pallares sent everyone home with a walk-off single.

The River Bandits quickly drew first blood as Astros No. 4 prospect Kyle Tucker drove in Johnny Sewald, who had reached on a hit-by-pitch and then advanced on a throwing error-- the first of many-- on a pick-off attempt by Kyle Friedrichs (2-2, 1.73 ERA). Beloit quickly answered and took the lead in the second, however, as Nick Collins blasted a two-run homer that stayed just inside the right field foul pole.

Quad Cities managed to regain the lead in the fourth, courtesy of three Snappers errors in a row. Tucker led off the inning with a single, and then Anthony Hermelyn reached first when second baseman Jesus Lopez's errant throw pulled first baseman Ryan Howell off the bag. Pat Porter attempted to lay down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners up, but catcher Nick Collins had a play at third base. Collins airmailed the throw, however, and it sailed down the third base line, allowing the River Bandits to tie the game at 2-2. Dexture McCall then reached on what should have been an inning-ending double play, had Friedrichs's throw not tailed into center field for Beloit's third consecutive error. Friedrichs retired the next batter before surrendering a bases-loaded walk to Osvaldo Duarte, giving Quad Cities the lead.

Justin Higley tied the game back up in the bottom of the fourth with a solo shot, and then Lopez gave Beloit the lead with a solo home run of his own in the fifth. Aaron Mizell's RBI double off reliever Kevin Johnson drew the game even once again in the sixth inning.

Things started looking ominous for the Snappers in the eighth inning. Beloit reliever Jared Lyons retired the first two batters he faced, but then Mizell reached on an error by third baseman Edwin Diaz, which once again opened the floodgates for Quad Cities. Duarte made Beloit pay with an RBI double, and then he scored when Bobby Wernes reached on a throwing error by Howell. The River Bandits' rally continued in the ninth against reliever Mike Fagan, who retired the first two batters but then walked the bases loaded. Mizell hit a bases-clearing triple to put the Snappers down 9-4.

Beloit was not finished, however, and chose the perfect time to post what was arguably their best offensive inning of the year. Lopez hit a two-run double to bring the Snappers within three. Lopez then walked and, one batter later, Chris Iriart hit a two-run single to close the gap even further. Higley managed to tie the game at 9-9 with an RBI single, but was thrown out at second trying to advance on the throw to end the inning.

The bullpens then exchanged goose eggs before the Snappers finally showed some signs of life in the bottom of the thirteenth inning. Quad Cities reliever Zac Person retired the first two batters before Diaz hit what looked like a game-ending home run, but ended up being a two-out double. Lopez drew a walk, and then Pallares-- the player who needed a hit most in the situation, as he had the lowest batting average in the lineup-- hit a ground ball up the middle. The center fielder Duarte appeared to have a shot at nabbing Diaz at home plate, but his throw was not even close to hitting the catcher Hermelyn. It sailed into the protective netting as the Snappers chased Pallares into right field in celebration.

He didn't even come close to factoring into the decision on Thursday night, but Friedrichs was solid on the mound for Beloit. He threw five innings while giving up three runs (none earned) on just two hits. Friedrichs walked one and struck out five. He lowered his ERA to 1.73 as he continues to solidify his role as the Snappers' ace.

His mound opponent, Yoanys Quiala (0-0, 6.75 ERA), wasn't very effective in his first start for the River Bandits. He went just four innings while allowing three runs on five hits. He didn't walk a batter and struck out two.

The Snappers' offense had a very productive night and managed to make up for their faulty defense. Lopez, Pallares, Iriart, Higley, Howell, Collins, and Diaz all had two-hit games. Tucker, Mizell, Duarte, and Wernes each had two-hit performances for Quad Cities.

Beloit will look to take a 2-0 lead in the four-game series tomorrow with Boomer Biegalski (3-0, 2.16 ERA) on the mound. Biegalski, who has been a stellar No. 2 starter behind Friedrichs, will face Albert Abreu (0-3, 3.70 ERA).

The Beloit Snappers are a member of the Midwest League and are a fourth year Class-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Stay tuned to the team website and social media for all up to date information. For ticket information, contact the Snappers' offices at 608-362-2272 or visit our website at www.snappersbaseball.com.