Gilbert, Naile Push Beloit Past Peoria

BELOIT, Wisc- The Snappers' first homestand since the All-Star break got off to a good start, as they defeated Peoria, 6-4, thanks to some timely hitting and a great pitching performance from James Naile. Beloit also flashed the leather on Monday night: shortstop Trace Loehr showed off his impressive range in starting all three of the Snappers' double plays. First baseman Ryan Howell, second baseman Trent Gilbert, and third baseman Edwin Diaz also made highlight-reel diving plays at their respective positions.

Beloit opened the scoring in the third inning, when Brett Siddall hit a two-run double to right center off of Peoria flamethrower Sandy Alcantara (5-5, 4.68 ERA). The Chiefs answered back quickly in the top of the fourth, tying the game with RBI knocks from Brian O'Keefe and Chris Chinea. The Snappers regained the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth, however, as Ryan Howell hit a two-run blast over the left center field fence.

That was more than enough for Naile (3-6, 2.92 ERA), who was on his game Monday night. The righty, making his first start in Beloit since early June after two starts at Double-A Midland, fired eight innings while giving up just the two runs in the fourth inning, both of which were unearned. He scattered five hits, walked one, and struck out five. Naile was also very efficient, as he needed just 90 pitches to shut down the Chiefs' offense.

The Snappers knocked Alcantara-- who can touch triple digits and is the Cardinals No. 19 prospect according to MLB Pipeline-- out of the game after just five innings. He gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits while walking four and striking out five. Alcantara didn't quite have the same stuff he did in his start against Beloit back on May 23, when he struck out 14 Snappers in six innings.

Beloit added an insurance run in the fifth on Skye Bolt's sacrifice fly, and then another in the seventh when Gilbert hit an RBI double. Those runs proved pivotal for the Snappers, as the Chiefs posted a two-run rally against reliever Dustin Driver in the ninth. Driver let Edmundo Sosa score on a wild pitch, and then gave up another on Vaughn Bryan's RBI fielder's choice. Bryan ended up getting caught between first and second after he took too big of a turn around first base and was tagged out for a crazy finish to the game.

Nearly every starter in the Snappers' lineup contributed offensively on Monday night, but Gilbert (3-for-4 with two doubles) and Justin Higley (2-for-3) both stayed hot to lead the charge. Peoria received two-hit games from Craig Aikin, Sosa, and O'Keefe.

The Snappers will look to take the second of the four-game series against the Chiefs tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. CT. Midwest League All-Star Evan Manarino (6-3, 2.23 ERA) will take the hill for Beloit while Peoria will counter with right-hander Juan Perez (3-1, 2.43 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.

           

Written by: Bradley Star