Scouts Ride Four-Run First Inning to 4-2 Victory Over Sluggers
XENIA, OH — A tough first inning proved too much to overcome on Thursday night as the Flag City Sluggers dropped a 4-2 decision to the Xenia Scouts at Grady's Field.
The loss snaps the Sluggers' winning streak and moves their summer record to 11-7.
Xenia did all of its damage right out of the gate in the bottom of the first inning. The Scouts took advantage of a walk, a few hits—including an RBI double by Cole Rohlmeier and a run-scoring single from Ethan Moore—and a Flag City error to score four unearned runs off Sluggers starter Parker Faris (0-3).
Aside from that rough opening frame, Faris settled down nicely. He went 5.0 innings, giving up just two earned runs on five hits while striking out six to keep Flag City within striking distance.
The Sluggers finally broke through in the top of the fourth inning. Brett Reed reached on an error and Trenten Smith walked to put two runners on. Miles Mitchell then drove a double to bring home Reed, and Drew Tajblik followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 4-2.
Unfortunately, that was all the offense the Sluggers could muster. Xenia starter Trey Tipton (3-1) earned the win by keeping Flag City quiet through seven innings, and reliever Luke Scott pitched two perfect frames to close out the game and earn the save.
The Flag City bullpen also put up zeroes late, with Kobe Ladd and Shamus Gallo combining for three scoreless innings of relief, but the offense could not piece together another rally.
Key Stats
Flag City Sluggers
Miles Mitchell (SS): 1-for-4, 2B, RBI
Drew Tajblik (LF): 1-for-3, RBI
Brett Reed (2B): 1-for-4, R
Parker Faris (P): 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 6 SO (Loss)
Kobe Ladd & Shamus Gallo (Relief): 3.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO
Xenia Scouts
Cole Rohlmeier (2B): 2-for-4, 2B, RBI, R
Ethan Moore (DH): 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, SB
Trey Tipton (P): 7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO (Win)
