Coach O’s Pitching By Committee Strategy Prevails Over Pistol Shrimp

Adrian Nery and four Burlington relievers combined to beat Illinois Valley 6-3 Saturday night.  

With an off day Sunday, Coach Owen Oreskovich was free to utilize bullpen as he pleased.  So when scheduled starter Jacob Zahner couldn't answer the bell Coach O called on Nery to take the ball knowing he had plenty of arms behind him.

The Union College righty gave the Bees two solid innings, allowing two runs on four hits.  He walked three and struck out four.  Most importantly he kept his team in the game.

Burlington went to lefty Ryan Donley in the top of the third down two runs. Donley blanked the Shrimp.  Burlington came back to tie it in the bottom half. 

After Ian Wolski struck out, Jaden Hackbarth was hit by a pitch.  Tanner Holland doubled to right making it second and third.  One out later, Mason Schwalbach launched a double driving in two, tying the game.

Donley held the Shrimp again in the fourth.  Burlington scored again in the fourth on a Caleb Wulf single, a Brandon Bickford single and a Wolski double to left.

Donley gave way to Chase Golden, who threw a scoreless fifth.

In the home half, Corey Boyette mashed his first home run of the season, followed by a Schwalbach triple.  A wild pitch brought him home.

Both teams scored in the eighth, the Bees on a Wolski sacrifice fly.

Meanwhile Zach Leuschen took over for Golden and gave up just two hit and a run in three innings of work.

Drew Martin closed it all out to earn his third save.  Donley was credited with the win.

Wulf, who is 4-4 in the suspended game from Friday night, was 3-4 in this one with two runs scored.

Burlington is off Sunday.  They return to Community Field Monday to face the Normal CornBelters.  First pitch is 6:30 PM.