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RECAP | Otters' comeback attempt falls just short in FLWC opener
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Sept. 9, 2026) - The Evansville Otters (0-1) made things close but fell just short in Game One of the Frontier League Wild Card Series against the Schaumburg Boomers (1-0) on Wednesday night, 3-2.
Ryan Wiltse got the nod in game one against Cole Zaffiro for Schaumburg.
The Otters would strike first on a sacrifice fly from newcomer Zac Vooletich that scored LG Castillo.
Schaumburg would tie the game in the fifth inning on a solo home run.
The Boomers took their first lead of the day on a two-run home run, making it a 3-1 game in the sixth.
The Otters kept it close with strong bullpen work. Joe Morrissey, Chase Kriebel and Alex Valdez had scoreless outings to hold Schaumburg’s offense at bay.
With Evansville down two in the bottom of the ninth, Dennis Pierce led off with a solo home run to make it a one-run game. The Otters had the bases loaded with one out, but the Otters couldn’t find the equalizer.
Evansville trails the FLWC series after its opening game, having to win back-to-back games at Wintrust Field to keep their season alive.
The 2026 Frontier League Playoffs continue Friday as the Otters travel to Schaumburg for Game Two of the Frontier League Wild Card Series at 6:30 p.m. CT at Wintrust Field. If necessary, Game Three will take place Saturday night, also at 6:30 p.m. CT in Schaumburg.
All games can be heard on 96.9 WYIR and the Otters Digital Network and can be viewed live on the Frontier League Network on HTN.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at EVSC’s Historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up to date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call (812) 435-8686.
