SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Clinching their fourth consecutive win, the Louisville Bats (39-55) opened with an explosive first frame to stun the Syracuse Chiefs (40-57) in a 5-0 shutout win at NBT Bank Stadium on Friday night. Tonight's win is the second shutout win for Louisville in three nights.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Clinching their fourth consecutive win, the Louisville Bats (39-55) opened with an explosive first frame to stun the Syracuse Chiefs (40-57) in a 5-0 shutout win at NBT Bank Stadium on Friday night. Tonight's win is the second shutout win for Louisville in three nights.
Louisville starter, Justin Nicolino (4-5, 4.44) was flawless on the mound. He started with a first-pitch strike and continued to dominate through seven shutout innings. He allowed four hits while walking three and striking out one on 91 pitches (53 strikes). Syracuse starter, Jefry Rodriguez (0-2, 7.20) took the loss, going five innings while allowing five earned runs from six hits while walking two and striking out five.
The Bats were unstoppable in the opening frame. Center fielder Mason Williams drew a ten-pitch walk to start off and then Blake Trahan was hit by a pitch to place two runners on. Brandon Dixon continued his hot hitting streak with a single to load the bases. Another walk issued to Hernan Iribarren then scored Williams. With the bases still loaded, Josh VanMeter turned up the heat with a three-run double, his tenth double of the season, to put the Bats ahead 4-0.
The following innings were scoreless but not entirely quiet. C.J. McElroy recorded his first Triple-A hit in the second inning as Nicolino continued to keep the Chiefs off the board. With his first taste of Triple-A hitting, McElroy went for more in the fourth. With his second Triple-A hit, following two singles from Turner and Dixon, McElroy connected for a single of his own to score Turner and make it 5-0 Louisville.
Wandy Peralta and Jimmy Herget entered in relief and finished the game as strongly as Nicolino had started it. They combined for two innings, allowing one hit while striking out two.
Brandon Dixon contributed immensely in the win with a three-hit night, marking the sixth game this season with the Bats where he has registered three or more hits.
The Bats will return to NBT Bank Stadium tomorrow night for game three of the four-game set. Louisville righty José López (3-8, 4.72) will go head to head against fellow right-hander, Brady Dragmire (1-4, 6.91). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
