The Hoots got off to a fast start after a scoreless top half of the first inning, Michael Gould led off the bottom half of the inning by getting hit by a pitch. A Henry Zenor single would then advance Gould to third base, where he would later be thrown out trying to score on a passed ball. Kurtis Byrne would reach on an error, and a Jack Meyer double would score Zenor to make the score 1-0. The Hoots added on after newly added Ryan Malzahn would single up the middle scoring Byrne and Meyer.
The Thrillbillies would threaten in the top of the second inning after the first two base runners would get on, however, starting pitcher Christian Pownall would strike out the next two batters, and get the last batter to pop out to end the threat. The Hoots tacked on another run in the fifth inning after Andy Niebrugge led off with a triple to center field, and would come home to score after a ground out from Malzahn to make the score 4-0. The Hoots got two more on the board in the sixth after Gould and Byrne reached base, Meyer would single down the right field line, allowing Gould to score. One batter later, Malzahn would come through with his 4th RBI of the night making the score 6-0.
The Thrillbillies would get their best scoring opportunity of the night after three straight walks to start the seventh, Zach Taylor would strike out Josh Griffin, and get Peyton Bittle to pop out, and Mark Kattula to fly out to strand the bases loaded. Taylor and Markell Dixon would combine for 3 shutout innings to secure the 6-0 win for the Hoots while snapping their 6-game losing streak.
The Hoots improve to 28-23 on the season, 11-12 in the second half, and the Thrillbillies fall to 29-22 on the season, and 8-16 in the second half.
The Hoots will be back in action on Saturday, July 27th when they travel to Alton to take on the River Dragons.
About the O’Fallon Hoots
The O’Fallon Hoots began play in O’Fallon, Missouri in May 2020 after relocating from Hannibal, Missouri following the 2019 season. The Hoots provide fun and affordable things to do in the O’Fallon and St. Charles County areas. For tickets, merchandise, or any team information, visit ofallonhoots.com.
