Niman’s Quality Start Not Enough in 4-1 Loss to Spartanburgers

By Bowling Green Hot Rods

August 4, 2026

Bowling Green, Kentucky – Starting pitcher Dominic Niman pitched six innings of two-run ball, but the Bowling Green Hot Rods (72-30, 25-12) couldn’t overcome three home runs from the Hub City Spartanburgers (46-56, 12-24) in a 4-1 loss at Bowling Green Ballpark in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Spartanburgers started hot

Bowling Green, Kentucky – Starting pitcher Dominic Niman pitched six innings of two-run ball, but the Bowling Green Hot Rods (72-30, 25-12) couldn’t overcome three home runs from the Hub City Spartanburgers (46-56, 12-24) in a 4-1 loss at Bowling Green Ballpark in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The Spartanburgers started hot with one run in the top of the first inning against Niman. Paxton Kling struck a leadoff homer to right field for a 1-0 Hub City advantage.

The visitors added another run against Niman in the top of the third inning. Kling tagged a one-out double and Casey Cook hit an RBI single into center field for a 2-0 Spartanburgers lead.

Bowling Green got on the board with one run in the bottom of the fourth inning against Hub City starter Ismael Agreda. Ryan Cermak singled to center, swiped second, and moved to third on a throwing error. Tony Santa Maria scored Cermak with an RBI single into center field, cutting the Spartanburgers’ lead to 2-1.

Hub City tacked on two runs in the top of the eighth inning against reliever Jadon Bercovich. Gleider Figuereo and Marcos Torres each clubbed solo home runs, increasing the Spartanburgers’ edge to 4-1.

Reliever J’Briell Easley held Bowling Green scoreless in the bottom of the ninth inning, handing Hub City a 4-1 win.

Agreda (3-5) earned the win, hurling 5.0 innings, allowing one run on five hits and adding five strikeouts. Niman (7-4) was charged with the loss, giving up two runs on five hits, one walk, and three strikeouts over 6.0 frames. Easley (1) delivered the save with a hitless ninth inning, walking one batter.

The Hot Rods and Spartanburgers play game two of a six-game series Wednesday night at 6:35 PM CT. Hub City will send out RHP A.J. Russell (1-3, 4.50), Bowling Green’s starter is still to be determined.

Fans can catch all the action by watching on MiLB.tv, listening through the MiLB First Pitch App and BGHotRods.com. Fans can also secure their seats for future home Hot Rods games by calling (270) 901-2121, visiting the Bowling Green Ballpark box office during normal business hours, or going to www.bghotrods.com.

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Hot Rods Baseball