Otters drop opener against Miners in walk-off fashion

After tying the game in the top of the ninth inning, the Evansville Otters fell 3-2 in walk-off fashion against the Southern Illinois Miners in Friday’s series opener from Rent One Park.

The Miners jumped out to a 2-0 lead without the benefit of a hit in the fourth inning. After consecutive walks loaded the bases, Nolan Earley grounded into a fielder’s choice to open the scoring. A subsequent wild pitch scored Joe Dudek from third to put the Miners up by two.

The score remained 2-0 until the ninth. With a runner on, Evansville’s Brandon Dulin hit his second home run of the year to right field to tie the game at 2-2.

In the bottom of the ninth, Chance Shepard lead off the frame with a solo home run to left, his league-leading seventh home run this season, to walk it off for the Miners.

Otters’ starter Luc Rennie did not factor into the decision after going 3.1 innings, allowing two runs on one hit while walking five and striking out five.

Miners’ starting pitcher Billy Griffin provided a quality start but received a no decision after the blown save in the top of the ninth. Griffin pitched 5.1 innings of scoreless baseball and struck out six.

Evansville reliever Sean Adler is dealt his first loss of the season after allowing the game-winning home run.

The Otters and Miners will face off in the second game of the three-game series Saturday evening at 6:05 p.m. from Rent One Park.

Coverage of Saturday’s game will be on WUEV 91.5 FM with Sam Jellinek (play-by-play) on the call.