The Chillicothe Hornets entered Tuesday’s road contest at Savannah coming off three straight wins, including a 5-4 victory in the home opener Monday against Macon. Savannah swept the season series last year and the Hornets, at 6-1 on the year, were looking for an early statement win against a potential district opponent.
After a scoreless opening frame, a trio of walks paired with a single from Cooper Robinson loaded the bases and scored the first run of the game. Chillicothe took full advantage adding runs off RBIs from Jaydin Kohl, Hubby Ralls, and Koby Wagers. Savannah pulled one back in the bottom of the 2nd, scoring the same way Chillicothe did on their first run of the game – a walk with the bases loaded. Koby Wagers got out of the bases loaded jam with a strikeout followed by a quick reaction catch to make the score 4-1 Chillicothe entering the 3rd inning. Wagers was excellent on the mound for Chillicothe striking out 7 Savages in 3 and two thirds innings.
Midway through the bottom of the 4th with Chillicothe ahead 4-2, Noah Rinehart stepped on the mound in relief of Wagers. After taking a few batters to find a rhythm which tied the game up for Savannah, Rinehart ended the inning with a strikeout.
The game would not remain tied long. With the Hornets at the top of their order in the top of the 5th, Chillicothe opened with consecutive walks forcing Savannah to go to the bullpen. Rinehart took advantage with an RBI single and the Hornets added 4 more runs in the 5th, including two runs batted in from freshman Max Cranmer.
Chillicothe was up 9-4 following the onslaught and never let the Savages back within serious striking distance. Rinehart surrendered one run in the 5th, but Savannah never threatened in the 6th and Rinehart finished the outing with three strikeouts. Then Howie Donoho took over the pitching in the bottom of the 7th with Chillicothe still ahead 9-5 and struck out the first two batters he faced before concluding the contest with another strikeout.
Each Hornet pitcher produced at least three strikeouts and combined for 13 as Chillicothe won 9-5. The Hornets improve to 7-1, and will host Bishop Leblond on Thursday in an MEC game.
