Hoots & Long Crowned Home Run Champion in Season Finale Victory

August 6, 2023 |

Hoots Hit More Home Runs Than Any Team in 2023

O’FALLON, MO- The O’Fallon Hoots (18-30,13-18) wrapped up their 2023 regular season with a matchup with the visiting Springfield Lucky Horseshoes (25-29,14-13) on Saturday, August 5. In a season finale that featured 28 total home runs, the Hoots hit five home runs en route to an 18-10 victory over the Lucky Horseshoes.

Inside the Box Score

  • Drew Mize’s two-run home run, gave the Hoots a league-leading No.58 home run on the season
  • Michael Long hit home runs No. 13 and 14 to claim sole possession as the 2023 Prospect League home run leader.
  • Chase Beattie and Tucker Platt each hit a home run as well.
  • Six Hoots batters have multi-hit performances.

How it Happened

  • The Hoots struck first as Chase Beattie doubled off the right field wall to score Drew Mize to take a 1-0 lead 
  • O’Fallon added four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to their lead. Tyson Ludwig scored as the catcher made an error on a throw down to second, a bases-loaded walk to Zach Beatty scored Mize before a two-run single by Maloy Heaghney opened the score to 5-0.
  • In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Hoots scored three runs including a two-run home run off the bat of Platt.
  • In the top of the fifth inning, Springfield rallied for eight runs to tie the ballgame. Brandon Hager hit an RBI double to get the Shoes on the board, followed by a grand slam from Kaden Griffits, the final three runs were scored on RBI singles off the bats of Dawson Johns, Mark Kattula and Noah Self.
  • In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Hoots answered to retake the lead. Ludwig scored on a wild pitch and Beattie doubled to bring home Long.
  • O’Fallon tacked on four more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Ludwig singled home Heaghney, Mize and Long hit back-to-back home runs to bring the score to 14-6.
  • In the top of the seventh inning, Springfield got two runs back on a pair of RBI singles from Hager and Self.
  • The Hoots weren’t finished scoring yet as Long and Beattie opened the bottom of the eighth inning with back-to-back home runs, Heaghney and Ludwig brought home a pair as well after reaching on errors, to bring the score to 18-10 in favor of the Hoots.

Up Next

Following Saturday night’s win, the Hoots 2023 season comes to an end after following just short of a playoff berth this year, O’Fallon finishes with a 28-30 record and will look for a playoff opportunity in 2024. 

For more information on upcoming news, events, general information and all things O’Fallon Hoots baseball, visit ofallonhoots.com. 

Posted in General News, Post Game Recaps, Uncategorized

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