Montgomery K’s a Dozen as Hot Rods Clinch Postseason Berth

Bowling Green, Kentucky– Mason Montgomery became the sixth pitcher in Bowling Green Hot Rods (39-24) history to strike out 12 in a game as the Hot Rods clinched a 2022 SAL Postseason berth with a 4-0 win over the Greenville Drive (26-38) on Tuesday at Fluor Field in Greenville, South Carolina. The two teams will continue their series on Wednesday with a 6:05 PM CT first pitch.

The game was scoreless until the eighth when the Hot Rods scratched across the first runs of the game against Greenville reliever Devon Roedahl. Diego Infante reached on an error and went to second when Logan Driscoll laced a single to center field. Dru Baker plated both baserunners with a double flared into left-center, giving the Hot Rods a 2-0 advantage. Alika Williams singled to left, allowing Baker to score while extending the lead to 3-0. The Hot Rods added an insurance run in the ninth, going on to secure their ninth postseason appearance in club history.

Montgomery went 5.0 scoreless innings while holding the Drive to one hit and two walks with 12 strikeouts in a no-decision. Kyle Whitten (1-0) tossed 2.0 perfect innings, striking out three. Cameron Leonard earned a save after holding Greenville to one hit in 2.0 scoreless frames, striking out two.

Notes: BG has finished the first half leading their division three times.. The other two were in 2018 and 2011… There were no halves in 2021… Montgomery tied a franchise record with 12 strikeouts… Joe Ryan (2019), Jamie Schultz and Ryne Stanek (2014), Braulio Lara (2011), and Matt Moore (2009) are the only other pitchers in team history to strike out 12 hitters in a game… His 12th K of the night was also his 100th of the season… The dozen punchouts also set a new career-high for Montgomery… Baker had his third multi-RBI game of the year… The Hot Rods and Drive continue their series on Wednesday with a 6:05 PM CT first pitch… BG will send RH Nathan Wiles (0-0, 5.33) to the mound against Greenville RH Bryan Mata (0-0, 1.29)… Fans can listen to the game on Talk 104.1 FM and 930 AM WKCT beginning with the Hot Rods Warmup Show at 6:20 PM CT… Fans can also watch live on MiLB.tv, listen via the MiLB First Pitch app on Android and IOS, or go to the Hot Rods website at www.bghotrods.com.

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