Hoots Mercy Rule River Dragons in Eight

The O’Fallon Hoots (25-28) hosted Country Night at CarShield Field on Saturday evening. Sleeveless jerseys, country music, and a big crowd enjoyed the evening entertainment that featured one of the most impressive offensive performances the Hoots have seen this season. 

The Hoots didn’t wait long to provide that offense. In the first inning, the Hoots saw five runs cross the plate. Ole Arntson (SIU-Edwardsville), Jacob Hager (Arkansas State) and Blane Besse (Missouri Baptist) each recorded RBIs in the frame before the big fly in the inning. The home run in the inning was delivered from the bat of Cole Robinson (Missouri Baptist). Robinson pounded a two-run shot to dead center, scoring Besse, which was Robinson’s second long ball of the season. 

Despite an early 5-0 advantage, the Hoots did not become complacent. After Blane Besse scored in the third inning, Cole Robinson scored in the fifth on a wild pitch. O’Fallon enjoyed a two-run double from Logan Mantz (UMSL) in the fifth, scoring Jack Dunn (Mineral Area CC) and Gavin Bennett (University of Illinois). Ole Arntson hit an RBI triple, scoring Mantz. Jacob Hager grabbed his second RBI, knocking in Arntson. 

While the hitting grabbed all the headlines, the pitching performance was also impressive. Starting with Nicholas Moten (Arkansas) completing four innings, striking out eight, and allowing three earned runs. Carson Subbert (Lindenwood) entered in the fifth, striking out eight, and allowing no runs. 

The Hoots next game at CarShield Field will be held on Tuesday, August 2 against the Cape Catfish at 6:35pm. Tickets are available online and at the CarShield Field box office.