Hoots Run-Ruled at Thrillville

MARION, IL- A stifling O’Fallon Hoots (16-19, 1-7) squad faced another tough challenge at the hands of the hottest team so far in the second half, the Thrillville Thrillbillies (20-14, 8-1) on Wednesday, July 12. On the road in Marion, IL, it was not the Hoots night; despite scoring five runs, Thrillville routed O’Fallon 15-4 in a seven-inning run-rule defeat.

Inside the Box Score

• Nick Harms and Michael Long each hit a home run in the ballgame.
• Hamrs drove in three of the five Hoots runs.
• Walks hurt the Hoots as three pitchers combined for 14 base-on-balls.

How it Happened

• O’Fallon kicked off the game on the right foot as Harms hit a three-run home run in the top of the first inning. Later in the inning, Long hit a solo shot to make it a 4-0 game in favor of the Hoots.
• In the bottom of the first inning, the Thrillbillies got on the board as Cole Smith picked up an RBI on a groundout to first base to cut the Hoots’ lead to 4-1.
• In the bottom of the second inning, the Thrillbillies took control of the game scoring seven runs in the frame. Highlighted by a grand slam from Jackson McCoy, several walks and timely hits launched Thrillville ahead 8-4.
• A bases-loaded walk to Jackson Lindsey in the bottom of the third inning extended the Thrillbillies’ lead to 9-4.
• In the bottom of the sixth inning, Thrillville put the nail in the coffin to secure their run-rule victory scoring six runs. Charlie Corum got the inning going with a two-run single, Alex Zimmerman and Jackson Cooke followed that up with an RBI single each. The final run was scored on a sacrifice flyout from Chase Austin to make it 15-4.

Up Next 

The Hoots return home for a doubleheader with the Normal CornBelters on Thursday, July 14 at CarShield Field. First pitch is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. CST. Coverage can be found at ofallonhoots.com, as well as the team’s Twitter (@ofallonbaseball) and Instagram (ofallonhoots).