Snappers Win Slugfest against Peoria on Chiefs' Opening Night

PEORIA, IL - The Beloit Snappers (2-1) win a slugfest against Peoria (1-2) 10-8 to spoil the Chiefs' home opener. The game totaled 18 runs, featuring 18 hits and 18 walks between the two teams.

The Snappers started the game strong putting up a two spot in the top of the first inning. Lester Madden started the hitting with a leadoff single, followed by a walk to the two-hole hitter Chase Calabuig. Then, the Snappers carried over their two-out magic from Friday night as Nick Ward hit a ball deep to centerfield that was misplayed by Chiefs centerfielder, Wadye Ynfante, allowing Madden and Calabuig to score.
However, Peoria answered right back with a solo shot by Brendan Donovan in the bottom of the first. Shortly after, Peoria tied the game in the bottom of the second with another solo shot, this time off the bat of Lars Nootbar, evening the score at two (2) a piece.
Cobie Vance then made a spectacular over the shoulder catch and threw out the Chiefs baserunner trying to take third base to get the Snappers out of a jam in the 3^rd.
Vance then followed up his defense by lacing a double down the left field line to knock in Logan Farrar, scoring all the way from first base, to give the Snappers the 3-2 lead.
Bryce Conley got the start for the Beloit Snappers and threw well. Conley ended up with a no decision after leaving in the 4^th with a 3-2 lead. Conley's final line on the night read 3 hits, 2 earned euns, and 4 strike outs.
In the fifth, the Chiefs scratched 3 runs across the plate to take their first lead of the game. Delvin Perez started the inning off with a double off of freshly entered Jeferson Mejia. Donovan then singled knocking in Perez and Donovan would end up coming around to score on a wild pitch. Finishing the scoring in the fifth, Nolan Gorman doubled to left and would be later knocked in by a sacrifice fly from Leandro Cedeno.
The Snappers bats answered right back in the 6^th though, with 3 runs of their own to retake a 6-5 lead. Peoria's Jacob Schlesener walked 4 of the first 6 batters of the inning resulting in a run. Calabuig would then come up with the bases loaded and single up the middle knocking in two to give the Snappers the lead once again.
However, the Chiefs' would get a run back in the bottom half, after Donovan earned a 2-out walk to be knocked in by an RBI single from Edwin Figuera.
The slugfest would continue into the seventh where the Snappers would get 4 runs to break the tie in fashion. Farrar, Brito, and Madden would all pick up an RBI in the inning to push the Snappers out in front.
The bullpen would then take care of the rest with Wandisson Charles, Eric Mariñez (W, 1-0), and Calvin Coker surrendering only 3 runs in four and two-thirds innings of work to preserve the 10-8 victory.
The win marks the Snappers first road win of the season and their second win in a row after defeating the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Friday Night.
The Snappers will be back in action tomorrow at Peoria with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 CT. Beloit will then head over to Burlington for a four game set before returning to play at home against the Clinton Lumberkings.
The Beloit Snappers are a member of the Midwest League and have been the Single-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics since 2013. For more ticket information, contact the Snappers office at (608) 362-2272 or visit our website, www.snappersbaseball.com