Fielders top first place T-Bones in series opener, 7-5
ZION, Ill. -- The Lake County Fielders (24-33) exploded in the second inning, scoring seven runs off five hits to beat the first place Kansas City T-Bones 7-5 in front of 4,513 at the first night game at Fielders Stadium.
Kansas City got on the board first, picking up a run against Zach Ward (4-5) in the second inning. Ray Sadler began the frame with a double and eventually advanced to third after a walk and an error loaded the bases. Sadler then scored on a double-play groundout by Dwayne White.
After a quiet first inning, the Fielders picked up all seven of their runs on five hits versus Steven Stewart (4-2) in the second frame. An RBI fielder’s choice groundout by Anthony Esquer plated the first run before a two-run single from Juan Valdez pushed the score to 3-1 two batters later. Brian McFall then chased Stewart with a two-out, two-run double. Kyle Heim entered and eventually surrendered a two-run single to Adam Hale to cap the scoring.
Stewart was charged with all seven runs on four hits and four walks over 1.2 innings in the loss. Heim surrendered just four hits without allowing a run over 4.1 innings of relief. Drew Graham allowed one hit over two scoreless frames to finish the game for Kansas City.
The T-Bones picked up two more runs in the third without the benefit of a hit. Ward walked the first three batters of the inning before Rico Washington reached on an error by the right-hander, allowing Jimmy Mojica to score. Sadler then grounded into a double play that scored Keanon Simon from third.
An RBI triple by Jim Fasano chased Ward with nobody out in the sixth. Fasano came home on a sacrifice fly by the next batter, Brian Joynt, to cap the score at 7-5.
Ward battled through 5.0 innings, scattering three hits, five runs (four earned), while striking out three and walking five in the victory. Lake County used five relievers to finish the final four innings, with Chris Homer throwing a perfect ninth to pick up his eighth save of the season. Homer has yet to give up a run in 18.2 innings pitched this season.
The Fielders face the T-Bones in game two tomorrow at Fielders Stadium. John Brownell (2-4, 4.96) will take the mound for the Fielders opposite Cody McAllister (7-3, 3.30). First pitch is slated for 7:00PM
