Nichols Nine K’s Lead Hot Dogs to 7-1 Win Over Spartanburgers

Bowling Green, Kentucky – TJ Nichols spun 6.0 frames and fanned nine batters as the Bowling Green Hot Dogs (2-0, 36-30) took down the Hub City Spartanburgers (0-2, 31-36), on Saturday, 7-1 at Bowling Green Ballpark in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The Spartanburgers struck first in the top of the first against Nichols. Keith Jones ll smacked a first pitch solo home run to right, moving Hub City in front, 1-0.

Bowling Green knotted things up in the bottom of the first against Spartanburger starter Mason Molina. Adriana Santana reached on an infield single and stole second, putting a runner in scoring position. Mac Horvath walked, and a double steal and a throwing error brought Santana in to score, tying the game at 1-1.

The Hot Dogs took the lead in the bottom of the fifth with Hub City reliever Josh Mollerus on the bump. Emilien Pitre smoked a ground rule double and moved to third on a wild pitch. Ryan Spikes reached on a throwing error by Gleider Figuereo plating Pitre, pushing Bowling Green in front, 2-1.

Bowling Green poured it on in the bottom of the seventh against Spartanburger reliever Seth Clark. The first five batters worked a walk for Bowling Green, plating a pair of runners, and loading the bases. Daniel Vellojin singled, scoring another run and Raudelis Martinez worked a walk to push in another score, making it 6-1 Hot Dogs.

The Hot Dogs added an insurance run in the bottom of the eight with Wilian Bormie on the bump. Santana doubled and Emilien Pitre singled resulting in a throwing error from Luis Marquez, scoring Santana and increasing the lead, 7-1. Gerlin Rosario pitched a scoreless ninth frame, finalizing the contests, 7-1.

Nichols (7-2) earned the victory after spinning 6.0 innings, allowing one run on three hits, walking two and fanning nine. Mollerus (6-2) receives the loss after pitching 2.0 innings, surrendering one unearned run, on one hit, walking one, and striking out one.

Bowling Green and Hub City will play the finale of a six-game series on Sunday starting at 1:05 PM CT. RHP Marcus Johnson (3-5, 4.70) gets the nod for Bowling Green while the Spartanburgers send out RHP Jose Gonzalez (1-6, 3.30).

Fans can catch all the action by watching on MiLB.tv, listening through the MiLB First Pitch App and BGHotRods.com. Fans can also secure their seats for future home Hot Rods games by calling (270) 901-2121, visiting the Bowling Green Ballpark box office during normal business hours, or going to www.bghotrods.com.

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