Big Sixth Inning Carries Sluggers to Second Straight Win over Scouts
XENIA, OH — The Flag City Sluggers have officially found their groove again. One night after snapping a tough losing streak, the Sluggers pounded out 15 hits and exploded for a massive six-run sixth inning to cruise past the Xenia Scouts 11-3 on Wednesday night at Grady’s Field.
The dominant victory secures a series win for Flag City, pushing their overall record to 16-13 and proving that last week's struggles are firmly in the rearview mirror.
For the first five innings, the contest was a tightly contested battle. Flag City manufactured an early run in the first, but the Scouts (8-20) answered back to take a brief 2-1 lead by the fourth.
Everything changed in the top of the sixth. The Sluggers completely batted around against Xenia starter JT McLaughlin (0-3) and reliever Keegan Philips, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 7-2 advantage. Gino Williams delivered the frame's big blow with a clutch two-run single, while Drew Tajblik, Trenten Smith, and Kaden Ford all added run-scoring plays during the sudden blitz.
The Sluggers kept their feet on the gas, tacking on two runs in both the seventh and eighth innings. Cameron Spezia stayed white-hot, going 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, while Miles Mitchell put on a clinic, finishing 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, and an RBI.
On the mound, Keagan Baugh (1-0) picked up the win, grinding through 4.0 innings of two-run ball. The bullpen completely locked things down from there. Kobe Ladd was spectacular in middle relief, allowing just two hits and striking out three over 3.0 scoreless frames, before Caden Otterbacher closed out the final two innings to seal the win.
Key Stats
Flag City Sluggers
Miles Mitchell (3B): 3-for-4, 3B, 2B, RBI, 2 R, BB
Cameron Spezia (RF): 3-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB
Aiden Booth (2B): 2-for-4, 3 R, BB, 2 SB
Gino Williams (1B): 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB
Kobe Ladd (P): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO
Xenia Scouts
Bo Solley (DH): 2-for-4, BB, SB
Jack Drew (LF): 1-for-2, 2B, R, 2 BB, 2 SB
Up Next
The Sluggers will look to complete the series sweep against the Scouts tonight as they return home to Marathon Diamonds. First pitch in Findlay is set for 6:05 PM.
