Incredible Two-Run Eighth, Completes Captains Comeback

(EASTLAKE, OH) – The Lake County Captains (32-29) secured their tenth comeback win of the season, defeating the Beloit Sky Carp (28-33) 5-3, and on Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night, the narrative was a collaborative team effort.

The Captains scored two runs in the eighth, to break the 3-3 logjam. Angel Martinez was hit by a pitch and Joe Naranjo singled to put runners on the corners to begin the inning. Jhonkensy Noel chopped a ball to first, the throw came to home and Martinez got caught in a rundown.

He was tagged near home by the third baseman who then turned to throw to third base to get Naranjo trying to advance. The ball went under the glove of the shortstop and into left field and Naranjo scored with Noel moving to second. Petey Halpin would knock home Noel, with a bloop single to right field to make it 5-3.

Doug Nikhazy earned the start, donning the Hulk-Themed Green Uniform. Nikhazy allowed one run in the second following two hit by pitches and walks. A groundout to first ended the inning. From the third through fifth, the left-hander totaled three strikeouts and no Sky Carp scored.

Lake County offensively scored two in the bottom of the second. Alexfri Planez launched a solo blast, his second consecutive night with a homer. The Captains then jumped out to a 2-1 lead, after back to back singles from Halpin and Johnathan Rodriguez which put two runners on for Mike Amditis who drove Halpin home with a groundout to short.

The top of the sixth inning, began with a Beloit walk, to end Nikhazy’s day. Zach Hart would come in and Ynmanol Marinez would step up and slug an opposite field home run to take the 3-2 Sky Carp lead.

Jhonkensy Noel tied the game, in the bottom of the sixth, with a rocket over the right-center field wall. The 20 year old now has 18 home runs, extending his Midwest League lead, by three, with 15 being the next closest.

Davis Sharpe took the last three innings and did not allow a run in relief. The 2021 13th Round selection accumulated five strikeouts and earned the win for the Captains.

The final game of the six series is tomorrow Sunday June 19. Spent your Father’s Day at Classic Park and enjoy Family Fun Sunday which features kids running the bases post-game.

Coverage of the game can be found on WJCU.org/Captains and the MiLB First Pitch app.