Big Inning, Kolenich Slam Pushes Paints Past REX in Terre Haute, 6-4

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by CohenOrthopedic, opened a four-game road trip with a 6-4 win over the REX Wednesday night at Bob Warn Field. 

Drew Donaldson walked with one out in the top of the first, stealing second, advancing to third on a wild pitch and scoring on another wild pitch, making it 1-0 Chillicothe (11-8) half an inning in. That was the only run until the seventh.

REX (8-9) starter Casey Henry kept the Chillicothe hitters off balance, allowing just the aforementioned run, along with three hits, four strikeouts and three walks over seven innings.

Paints starter Luke Walter was similarly up to the task, keeping the REX off the scoreboard over 5 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits while walking five and striking out four.

The REX grabbed their only lead of the night in the bottom of the seventh on back-to-back two-out, RBI doubles from Jayden Lepper and Sam Pesa, making it a 2-1 ballgame.

Chillicothe answered immediated as the REX went to the bullpen in the top of the eighth. Cade Rusch walked the bases loaded to open the inning. Arturo Disla hit weal bouncer toward second base that was misplayed, allowed everyone to advance safely and tying the game at 2-2. Sean Kolenich followed by hitting an 0-2 pitch for a grand slam, putting the Paints back in front for good at 6-2.

The REX scored two in the bottom of the eight to pull within two at 6-4, but the Paints' defense held in the ninth.

Landon Vance (1-0) earned his first win of the season after allowing two runs on three hits over 1 1/3 innings. Bryson Brown allowed a pair of runs on two hits over an inning of work. Chad Rogers earned his second save of the season, throwing a scoreless ninth, allowing two hits and striking out two.

Rusch (0-1) took the loss for the REX, allowing three runs without record an out. 

The Paints are in Marion, Illinois, Thursday and Friday to play the Thrillville Thrillbillies. First pitch both nights is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Eastern. The game can be heard for free on 100.9 WXIZ, ChillicothePaints.com and the free Paints mobile app. Fans can watch the games for a fee on Prospect League TV.