Hot Rods Cap Successful August with Win
Bowling Green, KY - Brandon Martin connected on a go-ahead two-run home run in the fifth inning Saturday night to lead the Bowling Green Hot Rods (42-26, 80-56) to a 5-3 win over the Lake County Captains (31-37, 54-81). Starter Kevin Brandt contributed with a quality start to send the Hot Rods to their 80th win of the season, which ties the franchise record for a single-season.
The Captains struck first with a run in the top of the fourth inning on a two-out double from Eric Haase, but the Hot Rods responded in the bottom half of the inning. Tyler Goeddel began the inning with a walk and a stolen base at second. As he was on his way to third in an attempt to steal that bag, Justin O'Conner lined a single to left field and Goeddel scored.
Nick Hamilton's first professional home run gave the Captains the lead again in the top of the fifth inning. But trailing 2-1 in the bottom half of the inning with Geoff Rowan at first, Martin sent a long two-run home run onto the grass berm in left-centerfield to put the Hot Rods ahead by a run. Later in the inning, Leonardo Reginatto singled home Goeddel to put the Hot Rods ahead by a run.
Tommy Coyle provided a huge lift in the bottom of the eighth inning with a two-out single into centerfield to give the Hot Rods an insurance run and a 5-3 lead. Andrew Hanse recorded the final eight outs without allowing a base runner to earn his third save of the inning. Brandt was stellar again in the starter's role for the Hot Rods, allowing three runs in 6.1 frames to earn his third win in four starts to begin his Hot Rods career.
The three-game series continues Sunday afternoon at Bowling Green Ballpark with the middle contest against the Lake County Captains (Indians) at 2:05 PM. The Hot Rods will give the start RHP Reinaldo Lopez (7-5, 3.00), while the Captains will counter with RHP Dylan Baker (7-6, 3.63). Join Chris Kleinhans-Schulz and Hank Fuerst on the Hot Rods Radio Network (1340wbgn.com, TuneIn app).
Sunday will serve as the final Kids Club Day and Smuckers Uncrustables Fun Run of the season at the ballpark. It's also Fan Appreciation Day where fans will enjoy great prizes given away throughout the game. For more information and to secure your tickets, call the Hot Rods Ticket Office at (270) 901-2121.
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