The Evansville Otters split a doubleheader with the Gateway Grizzlies on Wednesday, dropping the first game 2-1 before walking-off a 5-4 victory in the second game.
In the first game, pitching dominated for both sides, but it was the Grizzlies who prevailed in the 2-1 win.
Gateway got their only runs of the game in the fourth inning on a two-run single from Jeff Cardenas.
Evansville responded with a Jeff Gardner home run, his fifth of the year, to cut the lead to one, but that was as close as they would get.
Kevin Simmons came on and closed the game out in the seventh for the Grizzlies to claim the 2-1 win.
Randy Wynne was dealt the tough loss after tossing six innings and giving up just those two runs on three hits and striking out five.
Mike Elwood gets the win for the Grizzlies as he gave up just one run on five hits and picked up four strikeouts.
In the second game, the Otters rallied with two runs in the seventh to get their first walk-off win of the season.
Evansville grabbed a 1-0 lead in the third on a David Cronin RBI double.
The Otters then doubled their lead thanks to a Mike Rizzitello sacrifice fly in the fourth.
However, Gateway tied the game in the fifth with a runner at second and third, and a Toby Thomas fielding error allowed both runs to score and tie the game.
Evansville retook the lead in the bottom of the fifth on a solo home run from Manny Cruz, his first of the year.
Against Otters closer Mitchell Aker, Gateway scratched out two runs in the top of the seventh to claim a 4-3 lead. A passed ball allowed Shane Mardirosian to score from third and tie the game. Then, Jhonniel Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly to put the Grizzlies up 4-3.
But, Evansville struck back with two runs in the bottom of the seventh to win the game. Cronin was hit by a pitch to begin the inning, and on the ensuing bunt from Ryan Long was able to beat out a force play at second to put runner at first and second. Toby Thomas then laid down a bunt to advance both runners, but pitcher Josh Glick threw the ball away trying for the force out at third base which allowed Cronin to score and put Long at third with Thomas going to second. Gardner was then walked intentionally to load the bases which brought up Travis Harrison. Harrison came through in the clutch with an RBI single, giving the Otters the 5-4 win and their first walk-off victory of the season.
Spencer Medick’s first start as an Otter ends in a no-decision, but the southpaw threw five innings, giving up two unearned runs, while striking out six.
Alec Kisena also went five innings for the Grizzlies, allowing three runs on four hits in the no-decision.
Aker claims his first win of the year after blowing the save in the top of the seventh.
Glick is hung with the loss after allowing the two runs to score in the seventh without recording an out.
Thursday’s series finale is a Thirsty Thursday at Bosse Field with select drafts and beers at special prices. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
