Chiefs Drop Game Two 3-1 Sunday
Grand Chute, WI- The Peoria Chiefs gave up two unearned runs in the sixth inning and fell to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 3-1 in game two of Sunday's double header. After winning game one, the split of the double header also splits the series and puts the Chiefs at 2-2 heading into Monday's off day. The Chiefs' home opener is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. against the Dayton Dragons.
"Game two was a well pitched game on both sides, unfortunately a bad situation late where we gave them some extra outs and didn't execute cost us," said Chiefs manager Joe Kruzel. "I'm pleased with a split on the first roadtrip. It is not easy to split on road. Good ball clubs win on road and we came in here and did that. I'm very pleased with way we played in series."
The Rattlers jumped out to the early lead in game two with the long ball, just as the Chiefs did in game one. Taylor Smith-Brennan launched a solo home run, his first of the season, into the Rattlers center field bullpen to start the bottom of the second for a 1-0 lead.
The Chiefs struggled to get anything going against Wisconsin starter Preston Gainey with just three singles and a two-out walk. Mason Katz tied the game leading off the sixth against reliever Harvey Martin with a long home run into the trees behind the left-field fence. The homer, Katz's second of the day, tied the game 1-1.
Wisconsin took advantage of two Chiefs errors to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Johnny Davis beat out a one-out bunt single and stole second. An error by Cesar Valera put runners on the corners with one out. Michael Ratterree grounded to second and Davis beat the throw home by Katz for a 2-1 Wisconsin lead. When the ball trickled away from the plate, Chris McFarland moved to third. Smith-Brennan put the Rattlers on top 3-1 when his groundout to second scored McFarland.
"We fought back to tie it but didn't cash in on other opportunities," said Kruzel. "We didn't execute on defense. Brookshire pitched a heck of game and kept us in it. Mason got a couple balls up today and he squared them up pretty good. It is a big bonus for him to be able to do that."
Chase Brookshire (0-1) took the loss allowing three runs, one earned, on four hits over a career-high 5 2/3 innings. He struck out a career-high five and did not issue a walked. Reliever Chris Thomas struck out the only batter he faced.
Notes… Brookshire set new career-highs in both strikeouts and innings pitched…Last year he pitched nine times with two starts in State College and his high in both categories was four…The Chiefs committed four errors in the double header and allowed four unearned runs…With Jimmy Bosco starting game two, all Chiefs position players have now played in 2014…Jake Stone stole his first base as a professional in the fourth inning…Schulze, who did not play in game one Sunday, extended his hit streak to three games with a second inning single…Wisconsin hit three home runs in the series, all solo shots…Bosco picked up this team's first outfield assist of the season when he threw out Clint Coulter at second base in the second inning after a single…The Chiefs will have Monday off before playing the home opener at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday…The first 5,000 fans will receive a 2014 Chiefs Magnet Schedule as a giveaway…Peoria hosts the Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds) for the first three games of the six-game homestand…The Chiefs will start RH Nick Petree (3-1, 1.62 in 2013) against Dayton LH Junior Morillo (4-4, 3.06 in 2013)…The broadcast can be heard, starting with the Pre-Game Show at 6:10 p.m. on www.peoriachiefs.com/listenlive which also has downloads for a free app on the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Android…The broadcast is also available on the Peoria Chiefs Network in the Tune-In Radio App.