DANVILLE, Va. - The last-place team in the Appalachian League shut out the first-place team in the Appalachian League. Danville defeated Burlington on Waggle Wednesday, 3-0.
The Otterbots have now won three of their past four games. Things are starting to look a lot better, defensively and offensively.
“That one feels good,” catcher Antonio Cordeiro said. “I feel like the past week, we’ve been playing better baseball, and it’s been turning around for us.”
Starter Jaden Newton had a solid outing for the Bots, throwing four innings and notching five strikeouts. Three of them were looking. He was relieved by Cale Sudderth, Justin Ritz and Tyler Davis, who continued the scoreless trend for the Sock Puppets.
The Bots' defense stood their ground, turning three different double plays to help strand 12 Sock Puppets on base. Second baseman Zach Altamura and shortstop Seth Smith were a huge part of that.
“I’ve never lost faith in those guys, especially up the middle,” Danville manager Mickey Tettleton said. “What they’ve been able to do… we’ve got some very special guys that can turn those plays.”
Right fielder Khaleel Pratt had a great night offensively, going 2-for-3 with a double and scoring all three runs. Two of those runs came off of doubles by Cordeiro.
“I’ve gotten to know him [Pratt] pretty well and me and him always goof around with each other,” Cordeiro said with a smile. “So, before each at bat, I’m like ‘alright, me and you, let’s go’ and that type of thing. It’s a good time.”
Wednesday’s game was the second in a row behind the plate for the second-year Otterbot Cordeiro. His continued success is evident, and the skipper believes that he will be a huge part of the turnaround.
“I couldn’t be happier for [Antonio] and the work that he has put in; to see it paying off… it’s really cool to see this happening,” Tettleton said.
Up next, Danville (5-12) travels to Huntington to take on the Tri-State Coal Cats (7-10) for a four-game series. First pitch on Thursday is set for 7 p.m.
“It just feels good,” Cordeiro said with a relieved sigh.
“The kids are playing better,” Tettleton said. “It’s nice to see them smile.”
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.
