Paints Lose Series Opener In Johnstown, 6-2

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by CohenOrthopedic, struggled to get timely hits in Friday's series opener against the Mill Rats, losing 6-2 at Sargent's Stadium at the Point.

The Paints (6-5) got a strong start from Colin Bryant, allowing just three runs, two earned, on seven hits, while walking one and striking out three over six innings. But a lack of timely hits made it tough to score throughout the night.

Tyler Mendez gave the Paints a 1-0 lead, launching a solo home run to lead off the third inning, but that lead didn't last long.

Johnstown (4-5) got a leadoff single from Randy Carlo IV to start the bottom of the fourth, scoring on a single by Morgan Wyatt. With two outs, Jalen Freeman singled, stole second and, on an errer on the throw, advancing to third. He scored on an RBI single by Lance McDonald, making it 2-1 Johnstown.

Chillicothe tied it up in the top of the sixth, scoring on a bases-loaded walk to Owen Wilson, bringing home Brayden White.

The Mill Rats look the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth. Carlo IV walked to lead off the inning, advancing to second on his second stolen base of the game. With one out, Jack Rogers hit a deep fly ball to right center, Chillicothe's Tyler Shaneyfelt made the catch, colliding with right fielder Gavin Ganun, allowing Carlo IV to tag and score from second, making it 3-2 Mill Rats.

Landon Vance came in to pitch for the Paints in the bottom of the seventh, walking Xavier Baker to start the inning. Gio Calamia doubled and Miguel Vega knocked both home with a triple. Vega scored on an RBI single by Clay Wiesen, making it 6-2.

Vance came back out in the eighth, sitting Johnstown down in order. 

Mill Rats starter Phil Fox got a no decision after allowing two runs on five hits, walking four and striking out six over 5 1/3 innings. Reliever Koa Dabuet earned the win, holding the Paints off the scoreboard while striking out two and walking one over 1 2/3 innings. Cole Yeager finished the game, throwing two scoreless innings, striking out two.

The Paints and Mill Rats wrap up the two-game series in Johnstown Saturday night at 7 p.m. The game can be heard on 100.9 WXIZ, ChillicothePaints.com and the free Paints mobile app.