Kings Shut Down Paints, Win 6-3

(Photo by Cory Hall, Chillicothe Paints)

From the Chillicothe Paints:

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by Adena Health System, were unable to build on an early lead Thursday night in Springfield, losing to the Champion City Kings 6-3 at Carleton Davidson Stadium.

After an error allowed Mike Sprockett to reach to lead off the top of the second inning, Anthony Steele made his way aboard on a fielder's choice. He moved first to third on a two-out hit by Hunter Klotz, scoring on a two-out hit by Cameron Bowen, making it 1-0. That was all the Paints would get off the Champion City starter Gabe Phipps.

The Champion City (2-6, 11-26) pitcher went seven without giving up an earned run, surrendering just three hits, striking out four and walking two to earn his first win of the season.

Meanwhile, the Kings' offense got to work. After leaving six runners on, including five in scoring position over the first four innings, Jayson Zmejkoski reached on a walk to start the inning. Evan Lorey singled and Matt Mercer was hit by a pitch, loading the bases with no outs. Edrick Padilla hit into a 6-3 double play, allowing Zmejkoski to score, tying the game at 1-1. Alex Ryan hit a two-out single, scoring Lorey and giving the Kings their first lead of the game at 2-1. Ryan scored on a two-out single by Partick Fultz, making it 3-1.

Champion City added on three unearned runs in the bottom of the seventh. Ryan picked up his second and third RBIs of the game on a two-run single. Sean Kolenich drove home the third run of the inning on a two-out double, making it 6-1.

Chillicothe (4-3, 25-13) was able to score twice in the ninth on an Anthony Steele triple after walks had put Ben Gbur and Sprockett on base. Steele was stranded at third, ending the game with the score 6-3.

Paints starter Gino Sabatine (2-2) took the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits over five innings, walking two and striking out two on the night. Nick Lallathin pitched the final three innings for Chillicothe, allowing three unearned runs on four hits, striking out three.

The Paints are back in action Friday in Beckley, West Virginia for a 5:05 p.m. doubleheader against the Miners at Linda K Epling Stadium.