SPRINGFIELD, OH – It was the end of a four-game losing streak, as Gabe Phipps (Yorktown, IN; Lake Land College) pitched his best outing yet with seven superb innings en route to a 6-3 win over the Chillicothe Paints.
The Paints took an early 1-0 lead and held the Kings scoreless through the first four innings, despite multiple chances against the Chillicothe starter. In the fifth inning, the Kings were able to pull ahead and stay there with three runs scored. Jayson Zmejkoski (North Port, FL; Tallahassee CC) drew a lead-off walk, followed with an Evan Lorey (Howell, MI; Spring Arbor Univ.) single. The bases were loaded with nobody out, as Matt Mercer (Richton, MS; Pearl River CC) was hit by a pitch. Edrick Padilla (Salinas, Puerto Rico; Ohio Wesleyan) hit into a double play, which brought home the tying run. Alex Ryan (Lake Mills, WI; Valparaiso) singled in the go-ahead run, and Patrick Fultz (Springfield, OH; Shawnee H.S.) brought home a third run.
Champion City added three more unearned runs, as Lorey reached first on an error. Mercer doubled to put both runners in scoring position, and another Ryan hit scored both. Sean Kolenich (Parma, OH; Baldwin Wallace) doubled to score Ryan and increase the lead to 6-1.
Gabe Phipps threw seven strong innings, allowing just one unearned run on three hits, walking two and striking out four. Gabe Carter (Huntington, WV; Rio Grande) would close the door on Chillicothe, allowing two earned runs in the ninth inning, with two hits and two walks allowed.
The four-game losing streak was snapped as the Kings improved to 2-6 on the second half, winning three straight at home against Chillicothe. The road awaits Springfield’s team as Champion City travels to Johnstown and West Virginia for four straight away games. For tickets, PLTV information, and more, keep it here to championcitykings.com!