News
RECAP | Otters outlast Jackals in series finale win
5/15/2022
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - After dropping the opening two games of the weekend, the Evansville Otters finally found the win column against New Jersey on Sunday afternoon, 4-0, to conclude Opening Weekend.
Ryan O'Reilly started hot for Evansville, striking out the first two batters he faced and only allowing two base runners in the opening three innings.
Hayden Shenefield matched O'Reilly's start, also striking out two of the first three batters faced.
Pitchers and defense ruled things for the opening three innings as both teams failed to record a hit until the fourth inning.
The Jackals managed to load the bases in the fourth but were left empty-handed. One inning later, a one-out triple from catcher Zak Whalin was also left stranded, the game remaining scoreless all the way into the sixth inning.
To open the sixth, Evansville optioned to the bullpen and right-hander Joe Riley, who proceeded to strike out the side.
In the bottom half of the sixth, the Otters finally struck. Shenefield's day ended after a leadoff single from center fielder Miles Gordon and a walk from left fielder Jeffery Baez.
Following an intentional walk of first basemen Steven Sensley, right fielder Elijah MacNamee drove the game's first run in.
Two batters later, with two outs, shortstop George Callil earned an RBI the hard way, via a hit by pitch, and the Otters' lead grew to two.
Third basemen Andy Armstrong followed with a two-run single, giving Evansville their winning margin.
Evansville's closer Logan Sawyer came on for the top of the seventh, shutting the door on New Jersey.
The win was the first of the season for the Otters, scoring the four runs on just five hits. The Jackals managed four hits yet left six total runners stranded in the loss.
The win was credited to Riley, his first of the season. Shenefield received the loss, as the winning runs were credited to him.
The 4-0 Otters win followed the conclusion of the suspended game from Saturday night, where New Jersey completed a four-run comeback to win 10-9 on Sunday morning.
Evansville advanced to 1-2 on the young season with the win but still sit in the bottom half of the West Division in the young season.
The Otters' nine-game homestand continues on Tuesday night when the Empire State Grays come to town for the first time in franchise history. First pitch for Taco Tuesday at Bosse Field is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at 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.
