Hoots Out-Fire Pistol Shrimp in Series Opener

O’FALLON, MO– The O’Fallon Hoots (9-8) opened up a two-game series with the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp (7-12) on Wednesday, June 21 at CarShield Field. An intense game that came down to the very last out favored O’Fallon as the Hoots hung on to defeat the Pistol Shrimp 8-7.

Inside the Box Score 

• Jack Meyer hits his team-leading third home run of the season.
• Sam Feltz recorded his third save of the season.
• Braedon Stoakes delivered a multi-hit performance.
• Noah Arras turned in a strong relief pitching performance; going three and two-thirds innings, allowing only one run, and striking out four batters.

How it Happened

• Illinois Valley struck first in the ballgame as Brendan Cumberland lined an RBI double into the left-centerfield gap to make it a 1-0 ballgame in the top of the third inning.
• The Hoots responded in their half of the third inning with five runs. Meyer launched his third home run of the year, a three-run shot to left field, scoring Stoakes and Tyson Ludwig. John Stallcup and Chase Beattie would come around to score later on in the inning from an infield error by Illinois Valley.
• The Pistol Shrimp cut the deficit scoring twice in the top of the fifth inning. Tobey Jackson hit an RBI single to score Max Handron. Later in the Inning Zach Lane scored as Kerden Kenzie was hit by a pitch with bases-loaded
• The Hoots responded once again in the bottom of the fourth inning. Braedon Stoakes hit an RBI triple scoring Ethan Rossow; Stoakes would score on the play as well following a throwing error on the relay throw to third base.
• O’Fallon tacked on another run in the bottom of the sixth inning as Tyson Ludwig reached on a throwing error that allowed Ethan Rossow to score from third base, extending the Hoots lead to 8-3. 
• Illinois Valley got one run back in the top of the seventh with a bases-loaded walk to Evan Evola allowing Louis Perona to score.
• The Pistol Shrimp cut the deficit in half as two bases-loaded walks made it an 8-6 ballgame in the top of the eighth inning.
• Illinois Valley gave one last push in the ninth inning scoring one run on a fielder’s choice by Xander Sielken, but Sam Feltz closed the door to end the rally and finalize the game at 8-7.

Up Next

The Hoots and pistol shrimp conclude their two-game series on Thursday, June 22 at CarShield Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CST
Coverage can be found at ofallonhoots.com, as well as the team’s Twitter (@ofallonbaseball) and Instagram (ofallonhoots)