Stellar Pitching Allows Beloit to Take Series Win

BELOIT, Wisc- The Snappers took the four game series with a 3-1 victory over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Sunday afternoon.

Beloit jumped on Wisconsin starter Trey Supak right away in the bottom of the first. Luis Barrera opened the frame with a loud double into the right center field gap. Jesus Lopez then moved Barrera to third on a groundout to second. After a line drive out, Chris Iriart delivered a clutch two-out RBI single into left field to put the Snappers up 1-0.

Wisconsin mounted a threat in the top of the fourth. Isan Diaz drew a walk and Troy Stokes Jr. singled with one out. Beloit starter Boomer Biegalski then retired the dangerous Lucas Erceg on a flyout and Jake Gatewood on a groundout to escape the jam.

The Snappers responded with a key insurance run in the bottom half of the inning. Brett Siddall tattooed a solo shot to right field to extend the lead to 2-0. The homer was Siddall's second homer in three days.

That would be more than enough run support for Biegalski on this day. Biegalski set the tone on the mound as he retired eight in a row early in the game. Biegalski earned the win going six strong innings surrendering three hits, two walks and no earned runs while punching out five Timber Rattlers.

The Timber Rattlers generated their biggest scoring threat one inning later. Max McDowell drew a base on balls and Luis Aviles put down a perfect bunt down the third base line for a single to open the frame.

Wisconsin tried to play small ball but nine-hole hitter Brandon Diaz's bunt was popped out to catcher Jordan Devencenzi in foul territory for a pivotal first out. Biegalski executed some quality pitches to retire the top of Wisconsin's order as Trent Clark went down swinging and Domingo Santana lined out to right.

The Snappers tacked on another run in the bottom of the seventh. Devencenzi ripped a two-out double into right field. Barrera cashed in as he laced a RBI triple into right field to put Beloit up 3-0.

Wisconsin avoided the shutout in the top of the ninth. Stokes Jr. sparked the rally attempt as he worked a leadoff walk. Three batters later, McDowell was plunked by a pitch to put runners on first and second with two outs. Aviles then came through with a RBI base hit into center field to cut the deficit to 3-1. Andrew Tomasovich slammed the door on the Timber Rattlers comeback as he struck out Diaz swinging to end the game.

Barrera led the Snappers' offensive attack going 2-for-4, a run scored and one RBI in the leadoff spot. The Snappers collected eight hits against Timber Rattlers pitching.

The Beloit Snappers are a member of the Midwest League and are a fourth year Class-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Stay tuned to the team website and social media for all up to date information. For ticket information, contact the Snappers' offices at 608-362-2272 or visit our website at www.snappersbaseball.com. 

Written by: Derek Hoesly