Carson Homers Late, Paints Win Pitcher's Duel Over REX

(Photo by Cory Hall)

Recap courtesy of the Chillicothe Paints:

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by Adena Health System, took advantage of the long ball, pulling out a 2-1 win over the REX Sunday night at VA Memorial Stadium.

The Paints (14-9, 35-19) scored first, striking in the bottom of the third inning. A bunt single from Anthony Steele followed by a Hunter Klotz HBP put runners on. Gianni Passerelli laid a bunt down the third base line and REX pitcher Nathan June fielded the ball and threw to an empty first base, allowing Steele to score and the Paints to take 1-0 lead. 

The REX (14-10, 33-21) tied the game up at one in the top of the sixth inning on Alec Brunson's ninth home run of the season.

After six innings of work, Chillicothe starter Sebastian Escobar exited after giving up one run on six hits while striking out six. Nick Falter entered for his second appearance of the season. After allowing two baserunners to reach on a hit-by-pitch and a single and striking out one, Falter was relieved by Cal McAninch who retired the next two REX batters to get out of the inning.

With the game tied at one in the bottom of the eighth, Brett Carson, leasding off the inning, sent the second pitch he saw over the left field wall for his third home run of the season, giving Chillicothe a 2-1 lead.

McAninch (3-1) would finish off the REX in the top of the ninth by striking out the side and securing a 2-1 victory for Chillicothe. McAninch sat down all eight hitters he faced, striking out five over the final 2 2/3 innings.

June, the REX starter took a no decision after allowing only an unearned run on five hits, none of which left the infield, striking out seven and walking two. Kyle Cortner (3-2) took the loss, allowing one run on two hits over one inning of work. Tyce Ochs struck out the only two batters he saw.

The Paints are back in action Monday night in Terre Haute, Ind., where they will have a rematch with the REX at 6:30 p.m.