Hamilton Rebounds in
Second Exhibition Game
Written by: Derrick
Blyberg
HAMILTON, Ohio – The Hamilton Joes overcame a two-run
deficit and clinched their first win of the summer last night at Foundation
Field. The Joes defeated the visiting Cheviot Patriots 7-4 in the second game
of preseason exhibition play.
Hamilton third baseman Jeff Smith’s (Wabash Valley) bases
loaded single to right field scored two runs, including the go-ahead run in the
bottom of the seventh. The Joes would add another run in the inning and one
more in the eighth to secure the win.
Third year pitcher Matt Marksberry (Campbell) looked sharp
in his summer debut on the mound. The hard-throwing southpaw got the start and
looked untouchable in three innings of work, allowing one hit while striking
out four batters.
The Joes plated the first two runs for a 2-0 lead in the
bottom of the third, mostly due to left fielder Anthony Clark’s (Miami Hamilton)
speed. Clark reached on a bunt single and immediately stole second base. That
rattled Cheviot’s starter Patrick Kinney who threw a wild pitch and balked to
score Clark. Cody Leichman (Wabash Valley) knocked in the next run with a
two-out single to right later in the inning.
The Joes’ lead didn’t last for long as the Patriots
responded in the fourth. Reliever Blake Thomas (Tennessee) walked three batters
and gave up two hits to allow three runs to score for a 3-2 Patriots lead.
Left-hander Michael Ricchi (Presbyterian) relieved Thomas in
the fifth and Cheviot clung to their one-run lead after both teams added a run
in the inning.
Ricchi then settled in and pitched three scoreless innings,
enabling the Joes to reclaim the lead in the seventh and earning his first win
of exhibition play.
Gabriel Viso (Talledega College) closed the door on the
Patriots in the ninth for his second consecutive save.
Smith led the Joes at the plate with two hits, two RBIs and
a run scored. Cody Leichman (Wabash Valley) and Caleb Bryson (Middle Georgia
College) each recorded an RBI.
Clark also knocked in a run, scored twice and stole three
bases for the Joes.
Cheviot tallied one more hit than Hamilton with seven, but
also stranded seven runners and committed four errors.
Hamilton made two errors.
The next tune-up game is scheduled for 7:05 tonight against
Champions Baseball Academy.
Click here for Box Score.