Joes Win Second Straight, Remain in First
By Luke West Poley
Out of the off day, the Joes were clicking in a 4-2 win over the Xenia Scouts on Saturday at Foundation Field. After some early run trading, the pitching staff would lock down the final innings as the Joes would hold on to win in a quick-moving back and forth affair.
In the first, the Scouts would strike, as Tyler Haskins would be driven in on the RBI single chopped up the middle by Jarrett Eaton. Despite the blemish, the Joes would respond quickly, as Grant Miller would reach base, followed by a single on a 15-pitch at bat from Nick Wimmers. Parker Lester would drive in Miller to tie the game on a fielder’s choice.
After the Scouts took the lead, the Joes would respond in the bottom of the 3rd. Trailing 2-1, Nick Wimmers would continue a strong day at the plate with a one out single. After Bennett Clement reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second, Riley Hawthorne would swing the Joes into the lead with a 2 RBI single to right field that created a 3-2 Joes advantage.
After 5 strong innings, Clay Brock was relieved in the game by Tyler Hutson, who returned to the bullpen role after a pair of starts. The Southern Indiana Screaming Eagle would lock down the remaining Xenia hitters, giving up only 2 baserunners on a hit and an error, pitching the final 4 scoreless. In the bottom of the 8th, Sam Low would continue a hot stretch providing insurance with an RBI single to score Riley Hawthorne. This lead would hold for a 4-2 Joes victory.
With the win the Joes improved to 16-12 on the season, winning their second straight. Xenia falls to 14-14, extending their losing streak to 3 games. The Joes remain tied atop the GLSCL South after Saturday, with their record matching that of the Licking County Settlers. Xenia falls a half game behind Cincinnati into 4th place in the division. The winning pitcher was Clay Brock, with the losing pitcher being Garrett DeClue. Tyler Hutson would earn the save closing out the final 4 innings.
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