MARION, IL– The Hoots had it all working on Tuesday night, with the offense and pitching combining to give the Hoots an 11-0 mercy rule victory over the Thrillville Thrillbillies in seven innings. The offense, buoyed by Nick Bonczkowski’s 2 HR 4 RBI night, in addition to Costello’s six innings of shutout ball, is what led to the big win.
Top Performers:
Nick Bonczkowski- 4-4, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 3 Rs
Brady Vessells- 2-5, 2 RBIs, 2 Rs
Keller Costello- 6.0 IP, 5 Hs, 2 BBs, 6 Ks
How It Happened:
The Hoots and Thrillbillies both played a quiet game for the first couple of innings, before the Hoots finally struck in the third. After O’Fallon loaded the bases with nobody out, Brady Vessells was able to get an RBI on a fielder’s choice. However, the second baseman threw the ball away when trying to turn two, allowing a second unearned run to score. A few batters later, Bonczkowski would connect with a home run, giving the Hoots a 4-0 lead after three.
The Hoots would add on four more runs in the fifth, though definitely in a more small-ball type manner. After once again loading the bases with nobody out with three straight singles by Vessells, Connors, and Bonczkowski, Vessells would score on a wild pitch. Kaden Kinsler would then single to drive in Connors. During the next at bat, Kinsler would steal second, and Bonczkowski would take advantage and score himself on the throw. Samuel Paule would then single in Kinsler another batter later to run the score up to 8-0.
Meanwhile, on the mound, Keller Costello was showing why he was tabbed to be the opening day starter a week ago. The Rockhurst University freshman went six strong innings, scattering five hits with two walks and six strikeouts, keeping the Thrillbillies at bay all game. For his final batter he was able to strike out Brayton Coomer, who had given Hoots pitching fits all weekend at Carshield Field.
Bonczkowski would add another two run home run in the sixth, while Brady Vessells would add an RBI single in the seventh to bring the score to what would be its final, 11-0. Mason Burke pitched a clean seventh to close out the game.
The win helped the Hoots to improve to 3-4 on the season, and bringing their season series with the Thrillbillies even with two wins and two losses apiece.
The O’Fallon Hoots next game will be against the Normal Cornbelters at home on June 4th. Tickets can be purchased for that game here, and all away games can be watched on the Home Team Network here.
