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RELEASE | Otters split doubleheader to conclude Opening Weekend
Evansville, Ind. - The Evansville Otters (1-2) split a doubleheader with the Gateway Grizzlies (2-1) to complete Opening Weekend, winning the opener 3-2 in walk-off fashion before falling 4-0 in the nightcap.
In game 1, the Otters were led by a fantastic effort from starter Parker Brahms, who went 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and two walks.
The Otters jumped out in front with a two-out, two-RBI double from Keenan Taylor in the 2nd inning.
From there, the pitchers on both sides duelled to shutout both sides.
Nate Wohlgemuth came in to close the door on the 6th inning and was left in to finish the game in the 7th. A two-run home run from Gateway in the 7th squared things at 2-2 and forced the game to extra innings.
Grif Hughes finished the 7th for Evansville and returned for the extra 8th inning, stranding the international tiebreaker runner at 3rd.
Offensively, Evansville was ready for the extra frame. David Mendham advanced the international tiebreaker runner with a fielder’s choice out. After the Grizzlies intentionally walked LJ Jones, JT Benson singled up the middle to score the walk-off run from third.
In the second contest of the day, the Otters were once again graced with a tremendous start on the mound - this time from Jon Beymer. The righty retired the first 12 batters in order on just 48 pitches, 40 of which were strikes.
In the home half of the 4th, the Otters mustered three straight hits to begin the frame as David Mendham, LJ Jones and Pavin Parks all singled to load the bases with no outs for Evansville. Despite the strong inning start, Evansville was unable to score a run.
In the 5th, Beymer was chased from the game quickly after four straight hits. His day concluded with three earned runs on six hits and six strikeouts in 4.1 innings. Ethan Bradford came into the game in relief and found his way out of the inning without allowing another run, picking up his first professional strikeout along the way.
The Grizzlies’ bullpen held firm in the final two innings, while their offense added an insurance run to win the nightcap 4-0.
Mendham collected four hits during the series and also collected two-RBI in the series.
Evansville concludes their season opening homestand with a three-game series against Trois-Rivieres, beginning Tuesday at Bosse Field.
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.
