Snappers fall as T-Rats clinch
BELOIT, Wisc- It wasn't quite as ugly of a showing as Saturday night, when the Snappers' pitching staff walked seven batters, but Beloit's 6-2 loss to the Timber Rattlers on Sunday could hardly be considered redemption. The Snappers' lineup posted just five hits in support of Boomer Biegalski (8-8, 3.70 ERA), who was solid early before losing his groove in the middle innings. With the win, the Timber Rattlers clinched their first playoff berth since 2014.
Biegalski and Wisconsin starter Trey Supak (2-3, 3.86 ERA) exchanged zeros through the first two innings before Luis Aviles put the T-Rats on the board with a solo shot over the left field fence in the third. Max McDowell extended the lead to 2-0 in the fourth, and then Brewers No. 16 prospect Monte Harrison tacked on two more with an RBI single in the sixth.
The Snappers finally showed some signs of life in the bottom of the sixth. Trace Loehr hit a one-out triple, setting the stage for Athletics No. 25 prospect Skye Bolt's RBI double down the right field line. Supak then retired Trent Gilbert and Brett Siddall to put out the fire, however.
That marked the end of Supak's day, but he dominated the Snappers in what was the longest start of his professional career. He threw six innings of three-hit ball while walking two and striking out five.
His mound opponent didn't fare as well. Biegalski was lifted after 5 1/3 innings, having given up four runs on seven hits. He walked three and struck out three in his final start of 2016. Biegalski, a 14th-round pick in 2015, had a roller coaster of a year in his first full professional season, but he certainly showed Oakland that he has potential to be one of the organizations top-tier pitching prospects.
Troy Stokes, Jr. continued Wisconsin's offensive onslaught in the seventh inning with an RBI single. Aviles capped off the Timber Rattlers' scoring with an RBI double in the eighth.
The Snappers rallied against Brewers No. 20 prospect Miguel Diaz in the ninth inning. Robert Martinez walked, and then Jesus Lopez hit a two-out RBI double to keep Beloit alive. Collin Theroux popped out to end the game, however, and a Timber Rattlers celebration would ensue around the pitchers' mound.
Wisconsin cranked out 12 hits in their playoff-clincher, including two hits apiece from Stokes, Brewers No. 10 prospect Isan Diaz, Aviles, and Carlos Belonis. Brewers No. 3 prospect and 2016 first-round pick Corey Ray also notched his first Midwest League hit.
Beloit will look to avoid the sweep in their final game of the season tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. CT. Brendan Butler (1-5, 3.09 ERA) will go for the Snappers while Wisconsin will counter with Conor Harber (4-3, 3.02 ERA).
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: Bradley Star