Sluggers Battle in Game 2 of the Monarchs Series
The Sluggers came up just short in the second game of their inaugural season, falling 7–3 to the Michigan Monarchs. Sluggers pitcher Braxton Betancourt got things started, throwing his first pitch at 7:04 PM. Betancourt pitched a solid five innings, striking out five and allowing just two runs—marking the longest outing by a Sluggers pitcher so far this season.
The Flag City offense got off to a hot start with center fielder Will Lafferty picking up right where he left off in Game 1, leading off with a single. Second baseman Harrison Engskov followed by drawing a walk from Monarchs starter Owen Elsey, who went three innings. Both Lafferty and Engskov pulled off a double steal, advancing to third and second on a wild pitch that got away from Monarchs catcher Ben Brittingham. Despite the strong start, both runners were stranded, and the first inning ended scoreless.
The early part of the game was a defensive battle, with both teams showing more patience at the plate compared to the previous day. The Monarchs struck first in the top of the 4th, as three straight walks allowed second baseman Cannon Paul to score on a bases-loaded walk, making it 1–0. Center fielder Wyatt Epple added to the lead in the 5th, recording two of his four steals on the night before scoring on a wild pitch to make it 2–0.
Things began to slip for Flag City in the 6th inning. After Betancourt exited, the Sluggers were forced to make three pitching changes. Jacob Brandon came in first but was replaced in the same inning by Hayden Gilmore. Following a series of walks and a hit, Monarchs shortstop Christian Holmes and first baseman Keegan Knupp crossed the plate, extending the lead to 4–0. Flag City showed signs of life in the 7th. Designated hitter Rylan Mills—who went 1-for-2 on the day—drew a walk, later scoring on a single by shortstop Matt Gardner. Right Fielder Brett Reed also came home on a wild pitch, cutting the Monarchs’ lead in half.
In the 8th, however, the Monarchs pulled away for good with runs from right fielder Manny Gutierrez, Ben Brittingham, and Wyatt Epple. Despite a leadoff triple from catcher Andrew Stechschulte—who would go on to score—Flag City couldn’t close the gap. Stechschulte’s run brought the final score to 7–3.
The Sluggers will wrap up their series against the Michigan Monarchs on Sunday, June 8th, on the road in Michigan. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 PM as the Sluggers continue their hunt for their first win in franchise history.
