TinCaps Beat Beloit in Series Opener

BELOIT, Wisc. -- The TinCaps beat the Beloit Snappers, 8-7, on a steamy Sunday afternoon at Pohlman Field. 

With the temperature boiling at 91 degrees and the heat index as high as 108, starting pitcher Jacob Nix (W, 2-4) went a career-long six innings. The 20-year-old allowed five runs as he battled through the conditions, but had help from both his offense and defense. 

Fort Wayne (10-19, 46-53) sprung out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first against Boomer Biegalski (L, 6-5). Catcher Marcus Greene Jr., who had six hits and two homers over the previous two games, launched a grand slam to left-center field. 

Beloit (12-17, 44-54) bounced back with a pair of runs in the home first. The TinCaps made it 5-2 in the second on a two-out RBI double from first baseman Brad Zunica. Fort Wayne added an unearned run in the third to stretch the lead to 6-2. 

The Snappers rallied with a solo home run in the third (Justin Higley) and a two-run shot in the fourth (J.C. Rodriguez) to cut their deficit down to 6-5.

The TinCaps countered with solo homers from Zunica and right fielder Alan Garcia in the eighth for insurance. That proved beneficial as Beloit's Robert Martinez hit a two-out, two-run long ball in the ninth. However, that was the only hit allowed by left-hander Elvin Liriano (S, 2), who finished out a three-inning save.   

Next Games

• Monday, July 25 @ Beloit (5:00 p.m.)
  • Game 1 TinCaps Probable Starter: RHP Chris Paddack
  • Game 1 Snappers Probable Starter: LHP Evan Manarino
  • Game 2 TinCaps Probable Starter: RHP Anderson Espinoza
  • Game 2 Snappers Probable Starter: RHP Brendan Butler
• Listen: ESPN Radio 1380 & 100.9 FM / TinCapsRadio.com / TuneIn Radio app