Team News

A day after dropping another game in the bottom of the ninth, the Hounds’ were bitten by the late inning rally once again as the Lexington Snipes came back from two down in the bottom of the eighth to take the game, 4-3. Pitching was once again outstanding, however the offense and defense failed to back them up for the second game in a row. Timely hitting and costly errors continue to hurt the Hounds late in ball games.

 

Zac Taylor spearheaded the Hounds’ lineup where he reached base twice in his five at bats, once on a walk and once on a single. Hunter Morris hit third and went two for four with a single, double and a RBI.

 

All-Star shortstop Matt Wollnik reached twice in his four at bats on a walk and a single. He also drove in one of the three Hound RBIs. Richie Gorski followed right behind him and also reached base twice in his four at bats on a walk and a single. Michael Wisz went one for four in the contest with a single that plated the Hounds’ third and final run.

 

The Hounds handed the ball to their All-Star starting pitcher Noah Masa where he continued to improve on his season-long efficiency. He went five strong innings in which he gave up only two runs on six hits while striking out six. Masa has now racked up 26 strikeouts over his 27 innings, which is the most on the Hounds’ and one of the highest totals in the entire Midwest Collegiate League. Joe Palasiewicz was credited with the loss even though he allowed no earned runs over his three innings of work, in which he only allowed two hits and struck out three. Unfortunately, both runs in the eighth were charged to him after a Hounds’ error ultimately allowed two Snipes to come around and score.

 

For Lexington, Chris Maranto and Owen Miller both had two hits and a RBI with Miller having the only extra-base that came in the form of a double. Jared McCunn, Jason Priest, Tyler Horchem and Ryan Frye all reached on singles. Deion Thompson did not have any hits in his five plate appearances, but he reached base twice on walks.

 

No Lexington pitcher threw more than two innings in the contest. Jack Rettig threw the first two innings in which he gave up two runs on one hit. Kody Silverthorn was next up and he too went two innings, giving up no runs on two hits. Kolton Vermillion pitched the fifth and sixth inning, giving up no runs on no hits. The next two innings were handled by Ross Leonard who gave up one run on three hits. Finally, closer Jake Sale pitched the ninth where he earned the save after he gave up no runs on no hits.

 

The Hounds next contest will be Wednesday, July 9th at 5:00 PM (CT) in Joliet against the Admirals. DuPage currently leads that season series two games to one.

 

Don't forget that the Midwest Collegiate League All-Star game is being held this Tuesday, July 7th at Oilmen Stadium in Whiting, Ind. The Hounds’ will be sending nine of their own including pitchers Nick Constantino, Noah Masa, Tom Concklin and Nick Alfini, as well as catcher Billy Hayes, infielders Matt Wollnik and Trent Carrier and finally outfielder Shane Carrier. First pitch is at 7:00 PM (CT) and tickets will be $12 at the gate.