Sluggers’ Late Rallies Fall Short in 16-11 Slugfest Against Joes
HAMILTON, OH — The Flag City Sluggers fought until the very last out but couldn't overcome an early deficit, falling 16-11 to the Hamilton Joes on Friday night at Foundation Field.
In a high-scoring, nearly four-hour affair, the Joes (2-4) built a massive lead early, but the Sluggers (3-3) refused to quit, racking up 11 hits and fighting back with multiple late rallies.
Hamilton caught fire immediately, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning and extending it to 8-1 by the third, powered by a home run from Preston Zumwalt.
The Sluggers' bats came alive in the middle innings. Ty O'Brien launched a solo home run in the fourth, and Gino Williams laced a clutch three-run double in the fifth to help trim the deficit. Every time Flag City chipped away, however, the Joes responded, matching the Sluggers with three runs of their own in both the fourth and fifth frames to lead 14-7.
Flag City kept the pressure on late, scoring two runs in the seventh and adding two more in the ninth courtesy of some wild pitches, but Hamilton reliever Joshua Isaacs struck out six over the final two frames to secure the win for the Joes.
The Sluggers return home to host Hamilton on Saturday with the first pitch scheduled for 6:05pm.
Key Stats
Flag City Sluggers
Ty O'Brien (C): 1-for-4, HR, RBI, 2 R
Gino Williams (1B): 1-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI
Trenten Smith (2B): 1-for-2, 2 RBI
Drew Tajblik (RF): 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB
Hamilton Joes
Preston Zumwalt (3B): 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 4 R
Brady Bowen (2B): 3-for-5, 2B, RBI
Jeffrey Levin (P): 2.2 IP, 3 SO (Win)
