Paints Shutout Aviators in Lafayette behind Luke Walter's Gem

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by CohenOrthopedic, got a strong start from Luke Walter, leading to the team's fourth shutout win of the season - a 7-0 victory over the Lafayette Aviators at Loeb stadium Monday night,.

Walter (3-2) faced just one batter over the minimum through seven innings, needing just 70 pitches to that point. He didn't walk a batter until the eighth. The righthander's eight-inning outing is the longest by a Paints' starter this season, he didn't allow a run, struck out three and walked three. He also picked off two batters and induced a season-high four double plays.

Meanwhile, the Chillicothe offense got to work in the top of the second inning. Arturo Disla worked a lead off walk and Nate Dorinsky singled, putting runners at first and second for Jimmy Nugent, who singled to left center field, driving home the game's first run. CJ Carmichael loaded the bases with a bunt single and, after a hard lineout by Sammy Stoner, Tyler Shaneyfelt drove home Dorinsky on a groundout. Cameron Bowen drove home the third run of the inning, scoring Nugent on a two-out, RBI hit, making it 3-0.

The Paints made it 5-0 in the top of the sixth on Nugent's two-run home run, his second home run of the season.

In the top of the eighth, Carmichael scored on a wild pitch and Bowen collected another two-out RBI on a double down the left field line, making it 7-0.

Tyler Mendez pitched a scoreless ninth for Chillicothe.

Bowen finished 2-5 with two RBIs, Nugent went 2-5 with three RBIs and Stoner finished 2-4 on the night. Tim Orr, Disla, Dorinsky and Carmichael each collected one hit.

The Paints are now 28-13 on the season, 6-4 in the second half. They play again Tuesday night in Normal, Ill., starting a two-game series with the CornBelters. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT and can be heard for free over the air on 100.9 WXIZ or online at ChillicothePaints.com and the Paints mobile app.