Maddox Leads Hoots as Big Fifth Inning Results in a Doubleheader Sweep

Hoots leadoff hitter Sam Maddox continued his hot start to the season. Getting the start in right field and in the leadoff spot, Maddox hit a double in the third. Maddox had some outstanding defensive plays, ranging to catch a foul out in the fourth, and had an outfield assist to erase a Bees’ run at the plate. 

Maddox wasn’t done there. In the fifth, he doubled home Cole Robinson, who reached by a hit by pitch. Maddox ended up on third base on the play, following a Bees error. Maddox came around to score the go-ahead run in the fifth, following a pinch-hit single from Colin Bergmann. 

The fifth inning resulted in the team batting around in the order and tallying six runs. After Maddox and Bergmann delivered to give the Hoots their first advantage of the contest, Alex Adams doubled. Then his Missouri Baptist teammate Blane Besse delivered a two-RBI single. Connor Milton reached on an error and then Catcher Gavin Bennett delivered a two-run single of his own. 

The Hoots blew the game open in the fifth and added on in the sixth. Cade Hohl delivered a two-RBI double in the frame, scoring Alex Adams and Blane Besse. Hohl came around to score himself after stealing third and scoring on a throwing error from Bees catcher Brady Logan. 

Starting pitcher Alfred Ulloa bounced back to deliver a solid outing on Thursday evening. After a difficult relief appearance against Springfield on June 5th, his first start as a Hoot showcased what he can offer with his arm. After completing this collegiate season with Manager Johnathan Mills at East Central College, Ulloa’s first Hoots start saw five innings, four strikeouts, and one run allowed. 

After sweeping the Bees on Thursday, the Hoots will be back in action for a doubleheader against the Danville Dans at CarShield Field. Tickets are available online or at the box office at the park.