Game Notes for 4/19

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Matt Spring broke up a scoreless tie with a two-out solo home run in the top of the fifth inning. Matt Devins added three RBI and Jake McGee pitched six scoreless innings and struck out eight in 4-1 win for the Devil Rays. Justin Thomas gave up one run in five innings and got the loss. The Rattlers have lost five straight games.

AFTER TWO THEY GO: The first three runs by the Devil Rays scored after there were two outs and nobody on base. Spring’s second homer of the season was a line drive to left with two out in the fifth inning off Thomas. The Devil Rays had two out and none on against Jeff Gilmore in the top of the seventh inning when Garrett Groce singled and Spring walked. A double steal put runners at second and third. Devins singled to left to drive both runners home for a 3-0 lead.

RUNNIN’ WILD: The Devil Rays stole six bases in eight attempts last night. Groce swiped three bags.

THAT’S GROCE: Southwest Michigan’s outfielder had three hits last night. He is 6-for-8 in the series.

LOADING THEM UP: The Rattlers loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the sixth inning against McGee. He got out of the inning with a strikeout and a double play. This season, the Rattlers are 0-for-12 with the bases loaded.

RISP WOES: Wisconsin went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position last night. In the series with the Devil Rays, the Rattlers are 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position. For the season, Wisconsin is 18-for-103 (.175) with runners in scoring position.

FOX CITIES STADIUM BLUES: The Rattlers have lost six straight home games. Wisconsin is 2-7 at home this season. In those seven losses, the Rattlers have scored just 12 runs (1.71 runs/game)

OPPOSING STARTING PITCHER: Wade Davis was the 3rd round pick of the Devil Rays in the 2004 draft out of Lake Wales (FL) High School. He led the New York-Penn League in strikeouts with 97 Ks in 86 innings pitches in 2005. Davis was 7-4 with a 2.72ERA in fifteen appearances (all starts). So far this season, Davis is 1-0 with a 0.93ERA. In his last start, Davis got the win at West Michigan on April 13. He struck out eight, walked two, and gave up two hits in 5-2/3 shutout innings at Fifth Third Ballpark.