JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Danville Otterbots took another game against the Bristol State Liners, 7-2, on Saturday, outhitting Bristol to win the first two matchups of the three-game series.
The State Liners scored first in the first inning on a Chris Patterson home run (one), but Danville answered back in the third with a pair of runs on a Garrett Shull double and a Khaleel Pratt single.
Both starting pitchers appeared to be settling in before Danville right-hander Aaron Lewis was forced to exit with an apparent arm injury. Lewis finished his outing going 3 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and two runs. He was also working on adding to a three-strikeout performance.
Bristol and Danville were both held scoreless for two innings until the Otterbots exploded for four runs in the sixth. Gavin Brewer's first double with the club plated a pair, and an Alexander Sifford single scored a third run. Elgin Bennett capped the inning with a sacrifice fly for the fourth run to add to insurance for the Otterbots.
Danville added its seventh run of the night in the seventh on a Seth Smith groundout.
Brandon Peterson pitched well for Bristol despite the loss, giving up just two earned runs and striking out five across five full innings. The Danville bullpen was strong as well, holding the State Liners to just one hit after the fourth inning.
The Otterbots improved to 9-16 on the year, as the State Liners fell to 11-15. Bristol has lost five straight as both teams sit in last place in their respective divisions.
Danville will go for the sweep at 5 p.m. Sunday from TVA Credit Union Ballpark.
