Thacker Goes The Distance
By Zach Verdea | Hamilton Joes
HAMILTON, Ohio – The Joes (2-0) were able to keep up the hot start as they completed the two game sweep of the Xenia Scouts to open up the summer. The Joes put up a couple early runs in the first inning, followed by two from the Scouts in the bottom half. After that, the game settled in and we saw the Joes come through in the clutch to take this one from the Scouts 4-2.
Hamilton was fueled by starting pitcher Donovan Thacker (1-0), as he was able to take this one the distance all by himself. In Thacker’s 9 innings of work he only gave up 6 hits, 2 runs, and sprinkled in 3 strikeouts. The most impressive stat for the Madonna University product of the night was probably his ability to go complete game without walking a batter. Thacker was consistently in the zone and ahead in the count early as he was able to shut the door on the Scouts by inducing a game ending 5-4-3 double play with the go-ahead run at the plate.
Offensively the Joes saw a couple familiar faces from game one come through again. Adisyn Coffey went 2-4 with 2 big RBI following his solo home run game in the opener. Chris Hamilton strung a couple hits together again as he went 2-5 with a run. Michael Hale’s RBI double in the first inning would score Hamilton to tie the game back up at 2. Catcher Michael Hall got his first action of the season and was able to take advantage of Scouts pitching in a 2-4 day. Timely hitting by the Joes saw a run come in the 6th innings off losing pitcher Will Wentz, before tacking on an insurance run in the top of the 9th.
The Joes improved to 2-0 on the young season after an impressive pitching performance from Thacker. Behind the mound, Justin McConnell and Chandler Miller were able to combine for a couple smooth double plays on the day. The Joes will look to keep up the start on both ends Tuesday at home against the St. Clair Green Giants (3-2).
