Paints Win Home Opener 5-2 Over Champion City

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by CohenOrthopedic, picked up their first win of the season, beating the Champion City Kings 5-2 in Thursday night's home opener at VA Memorial Stadium.

Chillicothe (1-1) got the scoring started in the bottom of the second inning. After back-to-back-to-back singles by Arturo Disla, Victor Figueroa and Brayden White to open the inning, Gavin Ganun knocked home the game's first run when he grounded into a double play. Nate Dorinsky followed with a two-out RBI single, making it 2-0.

The Paints got a solid start from Nick Falter, holding Champion City scoreless through four, the Kings finally got on the board in the top of the fifth on a two-out double from Blake Buzzeo and an RBI single from Evan Lorey, cutting the Paints' lead to 2-1. Falter would exit after the fifth having given up just the one run on five hits and striking out five.

The Kings tied the game at two in the top of the sixth. With two outs, Nikolas Periera walked, advancing to second on a wild pitch. Ryan Robinson walked and Hilario DeLaPaz III loaded the bases on an infield single. Carson Womer then singled, driving home Periera to knot the game, but not for long.

In the bottom of the sixth, Figueroa signled, advanced to third on a groundout, then stole third base. After a Ganun walk, Dorinsky collected his second RBI of the night with a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Figueroa and giving the Paints the lead back at 3-2.

The Paints added on in the top of the seventh. Tyler Shaneyfelt beat out an infield hit to open the frame, then stole second base. After a groundout by Owen Wilson, Tim Orr doubled to left, scoring Shaneyfelt and making it 4-2. Orr later advanced to third and then home on a pair of wild pitches, closing the scoring with the Paints grabbing the 5-2 win.

Landon Vance (1-0) earned the win in relief for the Paints, throwing 1 1/3 innings and allowing a pair of hits and walking three. Noah Curi (0-1) took the loss for Champion City after throwing 2 innings and allowing a run on two hits, walking three and striking out two.

The Paints and Kings play again Friday at Springfield's Carleton Davidson Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Fans can hear the game from free on 100.9 WXIZ or at www.ChillicothePaints.com/radio. The game will also be available to watch for a fee on Prospect League TV, produced by the Champion City Kings.