Beloit bops Rattlers
Tyler Grimes, the number nine hitter in Beloit's lineup on Thursday night, launched a 2-2 pitch to left-center for a two-out, two-run home run. The Snappers (74-62 overall, 35-31 second half) were up 2-0.
Beloit added two runs to their total in the fourth inning. A walk and a single started the inning. Kennys Vargas singled in the first run. An RBI grounder by Drew Leachman knocked in the second run for a 4-0 lead.
Wisconsin (31-35, 75-70) came back in the bottom of the fourth inning. Brandon Macias singled with the bases loaded to drive in a pair of runs and the deficit was cut to 4-2.
The Rattlers put runners on second and third with one out in the fifth inning, but could not score. The Rattlers also put a runner in scoring position in the sixth and seventh innings, but stranded him both times. Wisconsin would leave a total of eleven runners on base as they were 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position in the game.
Beloit pounced on a Rattlers miscue in the eighth inning to extend their lead. They had runners at first and second with one out. AJ Pettersen blooped a single to right that would have just loaded the bases. But, the ball got away from Max Walla in right. Two runs scored and Pettersen took third base. Pettersen scored moments later on a wild pitch for a 7-2 lead.
Beloit added two more runs in the top of the ninth inning. Eddie Rosario's RBI double plated the first run. Leachman's RBI single made it 9-2.
The Rattlers went down in order in the ninth on a pair of strikeouts. The ninth inning was the only inning Wisconsin did not have a base runner.
Friday is the final meeting of the regular season between the Rattlers and the Snappers. Mark Williams (7-10, 3.81) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. Jason Wheeler (14-6, 3.44) is set to start for Beloit. Game time is 7:05pm.
A Static Cling Schedule for the 2013 Timber Rattlers season presented by BioLife Plasma Services will be given away on Friday night. BioLife Plasma Services will present the final postgame fireworks display of 2012 after Friday's game.
Friday is also the final North Shore Bank Family night. Children 12 and under eat free and children 14 and under may participate in Kids Run the Bases presented by Jernegan's Health Mart after the fireworks.
If you can't make it out to the game, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm.
HOME RUN:
BEL:
Tyler Grimes (6th, 1 on in 2nd inning off Jacob Barnes, 2 out)
WP: Tyler Rogers (2-2)
LP: Jacob Barnes (4-7)
TIME: 3:03
ATTN: 4,494