Paints Top REX 5-2 Thursday

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by CohenOrthopedic, picked up their 30th win of the season Thursday night at VA Memorial Stadium, beating the REX 5-2.

Chillicothe (30-14, 8-5) took the lead in the first inning, scoring on a Tim Orr single and a bases-loaded walk to Nate Dorinsky, making it 2-0.

The REX (14-27, 4-13) got one back in the top of the second, scoring ona two-out, RBI double by Jeremy Piatkiewicz, cutting the Chillicothe lead in half at 2-1, and it stayed that way until the seventh.

With Cole Kwiatkowski running at second for Victor Figueroa, who had doubled, Mason Eckelman singled to center field for his first RBI of the season. Cameron Bowen later hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Eckelman, making it 4-1.

For the second time, the REX answered in the next half-inning, scoring on groundout by Warren Bailey, making it a two-run ballgame at 4-2.

This time, Chillicothe answered. Tim Orr singled to start the inning, advancing to second on a bunt single by Kwiatkowski, to third after Sean Kolenich was intentionally walked and scoring on an infield hit by Dorinsky, amking it 5-2, the eventual final.

Both teams had numerous opportunities to score throughout the game, with Chillicothe going 3-14 at the plate with runners in scoring position. The Paints left at least one runner in scoring position every inning and 11 of the 16 they left on base in the game were in scoring position. The REX left eight on base, seven in scoring position. A large reason was solid pitching with runners on base from both teams and opportune defense.

Dylan Dudones got the start for the Paints, allowing one run on four hits over four innings, while walking three and striking out three. Mikey Olivieri (2-0) took home the win, allowing one unearned run on three hits, walking two and striking out one over 3 1/3 innings. Todd Bangtson grabbed the save in his 2023 debut, holding the REX scoreless over the final 1 2/3 innings while walking one and striking out one.

Chillicothe also turned three double plays on the night.

REX starter Kaleb Marrs (0-1) took the loss after allowing two runs on six hits, walking five and striking out two over four innings. Clay Hendry finished the game on the mound, allowing three runs, two earned, on six hits over four innings, while walking two and striking out two.

The Paints finished the season series 6-0 vs the REX.

Chillicothe hosts Danville Friday night at VA Memorial Stadium at 7:05 p.m. It's the only meeting this season scheduled between the two teams. It's also 4-H Night at the ballpark, sponsored by The Ohio Farm Bureau.