NEVADA – Nevada built an early eight-run lead and used an 18-hit offensive explosion to stave off a late Mudcat comeback attempt, and the Griffons took the first game of the series 13-11 at Lyons Stadium Saturday.
Chillicothe and Nevada combined for 32 hits and six homers on a hot, muggy night. Both teams came into the game in the bottom third in slugging percentage, but they also have the two worst pitching staffs by ERA.
The Griffons rocked Mudcat starter Will Loesch for 14 hits in the first four innings, and by the time Loesch exited, Nevada led 10-2.
Koby Linder pitched the rest of the way for the Mudcats, which could be important as the two teams battle again Sunday night.
Six different players homered in the game, including Elijah Maris, Justin Sanchez and Jonas Espinal for Chillicothe.
The Mudcats trimmed the deficit to two runs twice late, but Justin Agnor worked a scoreless ninth inning and picked up his second save of the season.
The Mudcats fall to 6-12 with the loss.
The Griffons and Mudcats will tangle again at Lyons Stadium Sunday at 7 p.m. C.T.
