HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Tri-State put together its best offensive performance of the season during Wednesday’s series finale, tying its season high in runs and breaking its season high in hits with a 12-2 victory over the Elizabethton River Riders.
From the opening inning, the Coal Cats impressed in the box. The Cats scored three runs on three hits, one walk and one hit batsman, as they brought all nine batters to the plate. Back-to-back ground rule doubles led to the Cats’ first run, while Ryan Limerick and Matt Ilgenfritz followed with consecutive RBI singles to make it 3-0.
Despite the early deficit, the River Riders continued to battle. Just as the Coal Cats did the previous night, the Riders kept pace despite a lack of hits. After a James Woody walk, crafty baserunning led to a double steal that brought home the visitors’ first run. The River Riders followed up by cutting deeper into the Cats’ lead, as a wild pitch brought home River Riders designated hitter Jaxon Diamond to make it a 3-2 Coal Cats lead.
Elizabethton was not able to keep pace for long as Tri-State widened the gap during the middle innings. The barrage began when Tri-State batted around against Elizabethton pitching to score seven runs in the fourth. Tri-State picked up five hits and drew four walks in the inning, which ended with the Coal Cats up 10-2.
Even after an explosive bottom of the fourth, the Cats continued to add on. In the next inning, a Trent Adelman double once again put the team in scoring position and Isaac Turner followed through with an RBI single to left field. The Cats’ production continued in the sixth, as an error at shortstop brought home Chace Chaplin to make it a 12-2 ballgame.
Though Tri-State recorded a season-high 17 hits during Wednesday’s contest, its previous highs are still very recent. Just one week ago, Tri-State’s bats set a previous high of 16 hits against the Johnson City Doughboys. This is also the third game this month in which Tri-State scored 12 runs against an opponent, previously matched during Sunday’s contest at Pulaski.
“I just saw better energy and focus tonight,” said manager Tommy Gregg regarding his team’s improved offensive performance.
“I think by us having good at-bats, taking some walks, putting pressure on the defense, that just gives the offense more confidence. When a guy is having a good at-bat and gets a hit or walk, the next guy coming up really feels good about getting into the box.”
While the Coal Cats record-setting efficiency at the plate played part in the win, it does not tell the whole story. On the defensive side, the Coal Cats proved to be just as prolific by allowing two hits and not committing an error in the finale.
Similar to Tuesday’s outing versus the River Riders, Josh Paulina’s scoreless fourth inning paved the way for another shutout performance by the Cats’ bullpen. Kenny Jackson followed Paulina by matching his four innings pitched while allowing one hit and tallying six strikeouts, earning his second win of the season. Finally, Ben Rabatin closed out the series and game by tossing the Cats’ sixth straight shutout inning, allowing one walk and one hit while striking out two batters.
Tri-State returns to the road having won six of its last seven games as it faces the Danville Otterbots on Thursday evening. Tri-State shoots for its fourth consecutive win, as the 16-21 Coal Cats face a 24-12 Otterbots squad that leads the East division and holds the lowest team ERA in the league. Game 1 of the two-game series begins at 7 p.m.
