Snappers Walk-Off In Extras On Opening Day

The Beloit Snappers (1-0) topped the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (0-1) with a 4-3 victory in 11 innings on Opening Day before 832 fans at Pohlman Field.

The Snappers were the first Midwest League team, and one of the first Minor League teams to go to extra innings in the 2018 season with the new extra inning rules. In extra-inning games in the minors for 2018, a runner will start at second base to begin the inning.
History happened in the 10^th, but the walk-off dramatics happened in the 11^th. Jack Meggs pinch ran in place of Miguel Mercedes who would have been the runner at second base, having recorded the last out of the previous inning. With Meggs on second, Skyler Weber laid down a bunt down the third base line to advance Meggs to third. Instead, and errant throw by Gabriel Garcia allowed Meggs to score and give the Snappers a 4-3 Opening Day win.
The Snappers were paced by their Opening Day starter Jean Ruiz, who tossed five innings, surrendered just four hits and racked up a career-high seven strikeouts. He allowed two earned runs, and his only true blemish in the game was surrendering a solo home run to T-Rats first baseman Pat McInerney in the second inning.
Nick Allen had an impressive debut for the Snappers, as the 19-year-old went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a walk.
Mickey McDonald also had an impressive debut for the Snappers, the outfielder was 2-for-2 with a double and scored a run.
Jesuz Zambrano (1-0, 0.00) came on to pitch the 11^th inning and shut the door. The right-hander tossed the final frame, striking out the final batter of the game in Payton Henry to pick up the win.
Wyatt Marks, the Oakland Athletics No. 26 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, takes the mound for his Snappers debut Friday night, and the T-Rats will counter with right-hander Nelson Hernandez. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
The Beloit Snappers are a member of the Midwest League and have been the Single-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics since 2013. Opening Day for the Snappers 37^th season is April 5, 2018 at Pohlman Field as the Snappers host the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. For more ticket information, contact the Snappers office at (608) 362-2272 or on our website, www.snappersbaseball.com.