Whiskey Jacks Score Nine Unanswered Runs in 10-9 Win Versus Sodbusters
HASTINGS, Neb. – The Wheat City Whiskey Jacks score nine unanswered runs in an epic 10-9 victory over the Hastings Sodbusters Friday. The Sodbusters scored nine runs in the first three innings and were held scoreless after the third inning while the Whiskey Jacks scored eight runs in the final three innings, securing the comeback.
Whiskey Jacks’ designated hitter Caleb McDowell bounced back from his two previous games, in which he hit a combined 0-for-7 with two strikeouts, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a RBI. McDowell improved his average to .324, the fifth-best on the team. Shortstop Garrett Olson had a strong debut, going 2-for-3 with a RBI and a walk. Olson is a sophomore infielder from Arkansas State University. Second baseman Ethan Sitzman went 2-for-4 with a RBI and his second stolen base of the season. Left fielder Nolan Drill had a pivotal bases-loaded single in the top of the ninth to bring home McDowell and Dean Bittner, making it 10-9. Drill went 1-for-4.
Sodbusters’ designated hitter/first baseman Jack Hammond went 4-for-5 with three RBIs, including two in the seven-run first inning by the Sodbusters. Third baseman/shortstop Cole Dawson went 2-for-5 with a RBI. Left fielder Ommar Jackson went 1-for-5 with two RBIs and a pair of stolen bases.
Whiskey Jacks’ pitcher Jake Anderson (0-0, 1.00 ERA) collected the win. Anderson continues his dominance, going four shutout innings with five strikeouts. Anderson has not given up a run since May 26 against the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs. Sodbusters threatened with runners in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth but to no avail after Anderson retired three straight batters. Sam Marhefke (1-0, 3.60 ERA) pitched four innings on two runs (one earned) while striking out three.
Sodbusters’ pitcher Tyler Monroe (0-0, 0.00 ERA) recorded the loss. Monroe pitched 0.2 innings on three runs (none earned) and three walks. Monroe did not record a strikeout. Laif Hultine (0-0, 1.92 ERA) pitched six strong innings on two runs (both earned) and seven strikeouts. Hultine’s seven strikeouts are his season high. Edwardo Vasquez (0-0, 20.25 ERA) gave up four runs (all earned) and walked two batters without recording an out.
The Whiskey Jacks (5-4) look to take the series tomorrow night against the Sodbusters (2-7). First pitch at 6:35 p.m. at Duncan Field.
