DANVILLE, Va. - Things are starting to look more like they did last season in Danville. The Otterbots have won their past two games while showcasing the grit and determination their group holds.
After a wild walk-off win against Greeneville, the Bots held on against the Bristol State Liners, 7-6, after an attempted comeback by the away squad. The last time these two teams met, Danville completed a series sweep in three contests.
In this matchup, it was scoreless until the fourth inning. Before then, the Bots' defense executed two beautiful double plays: one lined, and the other grounded. Both were started by shortstop Seth Smith, who continues to flash the leather.
Danville starter Aaron Lewis had a great outing. He collected his second win of the summer, throwing five innings of one-run baseball and striking out six.
The fourth inning began with an error by Smith, causing Bristol's Chris Patterson to reach base. Patterson came around to score three batters later on second baseman Jean Carlos Garcia-Chicano's RBI-single to center field.
The Bots' offense responded with a four-run inning of their own. A big part of it was three walks to the first four batters faced by State Liners starter, Brandon Peterson. Smith grounded into a forceout in the at-bat after catcher Gavin Brewer was out at home.
Then, second baseman Jaxon Goldberg had his moment. He laced his fifth double of the season, tucking it in the left field line. It cleared the bases, giving the Bots a 3-1 lead. They never gave it up after that.
Center fielder Elgin Bennett tacked on the last run in the fourth, plating Goldberg. Throughout the rest of the game, both teams matched scores. In the sixth inning, both teams scored one run, and in the seventh, both teams scored two runs.
Closer Peyton Huff came on in the top of the ninth to claim the victory for the Bots. It took a bit, but after a double and a single to plate two for Bristol, Huff shut them down for the final two outs on a flyout and a strikeout. The closer collected his third save of the season.
Danville and Bristol face off again on Sunday as the Bots look to sweep the State Liners for the second series in a row. American Legion Field is also hosting Splash Day for fans. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. ET.
For more information on 2025 Single Game Tickets, Season Tickets, Corporate Partnerships, and Group Outings, email matt@danvilleotterbots.com or call the Otterbots Front Office at 434-554-4487. The Danville Otterbots will play their home games at American Legion Field at Dan Daniel Memorial Park.
