Bats outlasted in series finale, 9-1

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville Bats dropped the final game of a four-game series to the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, 9-1 on Thursday night at Louisville Slugger Field. A five-run first inning guided the RailRiders to victory over the Bats.

The RailRiders didn't waste any time putting their final stamp on the Bats as they put up five runs in the first inning, a large chunk coming from a first baseman Chris Parmelee grand slam, the second one given up by the Bats this season at Louisville Slugger Field.

In the second inning, the RailRiders once again put a run on the board but in the bottom half the Bats responded with one of their own to cut the deficit to 6-1.

Bats starter, right hander Josh Smith (3-4, 3.86) would leave with the loss after he threw two innings and gave up six runs on six hits.

The RailRiders didn't let up and scored two runs in the fourth, one run in the fifth to take a 9-1 lead.  

The win was awarded to right hander Eric Ruth (2-0, 1.98) as he threw seven and two-thirds innings and gave up one run on four hits, and struck out five.

Tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m., the Bats will begin their final series of this homestand when the Columbus Clippers come to Louisville Slugger Field for three games. Right-hander Jon Moscot (0-1, 5.91) will continue his MLB rehab assignment for the Bats and will face Clippers right hander Will Roberts (3-1, 3.07).