Locos knock off Graders in front of huge crowd

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GALION — The Galion Graders and the Lima Locos concluded their weekend series on Sunday night in front of more than 2,200 spectators at Heddleson Field in Heise Park.

Both squads showed off their offensive prowess but in the end it was the Locos that came out on top by a final score of 13-11 over the Graders.

Justin Longbrake started the game on the mound for the home team, going four innings. Longbrake allowed eight hits, seven runs (five earned) and struck out two Locos’ hitters. Christian Specht worked the next 2.1 innings for the Graders, surrendering five hits and three runs, two of which were earned. Usually a first baseman, Jarett Smetana was on the mound for 1.2 innings on Sunday, giving up just one hit but allowing three runs (two earned), walking one and striking out three. Jordan Peck threw the final inning for Galion, walking one and striking out the side. Longbrake was the pitcher of record, taking the loss.

Austin Hathaway led the Graders’ offense against Lima, belting a double and two singles while scoring three runs and driving in one. Brandt Nowaskie finished the night with two singles, a run scored and two RBI. Jake Hoover also had a multi-hit game for the hometown squad, knocking two singles and driving in a runner. Parke Phillips and Zach Mottice finished with a double apiece while Phillips added two runs scored and four runs batted in. Mottice scored once and drove in three. Braxton Giavedoni scored two runs and finished with a single and teammates Matt Noel and Josh Kent each scored a run to round out the Graders’ offense.

Galion scored their 11 runs on 10 hits while stranding nine runners on base. Lima plated 13 runs on 14 hits and left seven runners on. In the field, Galion had four errors and Lima finished with two.

Another week of home games awaits the Graders, now 9-9 on the season. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Lorain County Ironmen make the trip to Galion for a couple of 7:05 p.m. inner-division games. The Cincinnati Steam make the haul to Galion for a two-game series on Thursday and Friday and the Graders will play the Licking County Settlers in a double header on Saturday July 8. Action for Saturday is set to start at 5:05 pm.

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By Chad Clinger

[email protected]

Follow Chad on Twitter @GalionSportsGuy

Reach Chad at 419-468-1117 x2048

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