06/17/2012 8:57 PM -
(EVANSVILLE - IN) --- Starting pitcher Garrett Bullock allowed just one unearned run and the Evansville Otter offense awakened in a 4-2 win over the River City Rascals.

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The Otters jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. First baseman Nick Schwaner hit a leadoff single, moved to third on a passed ball and a groundout, then stole home on River City starter Chandler Barnard.

Evansville extended the lead in the bottom of the fifth when second baseman Kevin Lovelace scored on an RBI single from center fielder Matt Sheely.
Down 2-0, River City got on the board in the sixth when infielder Matt Seena scored on a throwing error, cutting the lead in half.

Still leading by a run, the Otters went surging for more runs in the seventh. After two batters were retired, outfielder Nick Colwell placed a bunt down the third base line and reached on the infield single. Greg Fontenot then plated Colwell on an RBI single two batters later and shortstop Luis Parache added an insurance run with a double to right field.

Closer Eric Massingham replaced Bullock in the eighth, but allowed an RBI single to catcher Charlie Lisk. Trailing 4-2, River City loaded up the bases with two outs but Massingham struck out first baseman Chris Andreas to end the River City threat.

The Rascals then failed to score again in the ninth inning as Massingham earned the two inning save to secure the win.

Evansville improves to 10-18 with the victory as River City drops to 16-12.

Bullock (1-3) threw 7.0 innings, scattering five outs and allowing just one unearned run. The lefty struck out five batters for his first win of the season. Barnard (0-1) receives the loss for River City after allowing two runs in a span of six innings. Massingham recorded his fifth save and 27th overall as an Evansville Otter.

The Otters will look for the series win tomorrow in the middle game of the series. It is Casino Aztar Night as well as Deaconess Sleep Center Night at the ballpark. Fans can also enjoy peanuts for just $1 at Historic Bosse Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. as right-hander Bryce Morrow (2-2, 4.79 Earned Run Average) will be opposed by fellow righty Tony Marsala (2-1, 9.36 ERA).

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