Kinney Homers Again in Bowling Green’s 5-2 Victory
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Cooper Kinney once again makes history
The city of Bowling Green, Kentucky,an ultimate battleground for top class Baseball witnessed another master-class performance from Cooper Kinney who cranked yet another home run leading his team, the Bowling Green Hot Rods to a triumphant 5-2 win over the Hickory Crawdads. This was their second face-off on Wednesday at L.P. Frans Stadium.
Early Lead for Bowling Green
The Hot Rods set the pace in the top of the first against the Crawdads starting pitcher, Ryan Lobus. Brayden Taylor took a walk and Tre’ Morgan made it to first base after a fielding error, positioning runners at both first and second bases. The stage was perfectly set for Ryan Cermak who, without missing out on the opportunity, fired a three-run home run and gave Bowling Green an ideal 3-0 lead over Hickory.
Hickory Crawls Back but Falls Short
In the bottom of the second, while facing the Hot Rods’ starting pitcher, Roel Garcia, the Crawdads bounced back. Konner Piotto’s single and subsequent score on Ben Blackwell’s left-field double, and Devin Hurdle’s single, cutting the lead down to 3-2.
Kinney Strikes Back, Pushes Bowling Green Further Ahead
However, the lead wasn’t short-lived as at the top of the third, another twist came in the form of Morgan’s reach on an infield single and Cooper Kinney‘s explosive two-run homer against Lobus which ballooned Bowling Green’s lead to 5-2.
Excellent Pitching to Close the Game
In the face of adversity in the bottom of the ninth, Jake Christianson, the sledgehammer for the Hot Rods, shut out the Crawdads batting lineup securing a 5-2 victory for Bowling Green and ending the match on a high note.
Match Highlights
From the pitcher’s end, Garcia chalked up his fifth win (5-3) by allowing only two runs on five hits with one walk and one strikeout over five frames. On the other hand, Lobus (3-3) endured the loss, allowed five runs (with four earned) on three hits with one walk and five strikeouts. Remarkably, Christianson earned his second save with 2 perfect innings.
Up Ahead
The teams will cross swords again on Thursday for the third game of a planned six-game series. Hot Rods’ right-hand pitcher, Duncan Davitt who currently sits on a 5-4 record with a 3.11 ERA, is scheduled to start the showdown while Hickory counts on left-hand pitcher Mitch Bratt with a 3-3 record and 4.60 ERA. Undoubtedly, another thrilling face-off is on the horizon.
Cooper Kinney’s back-to-back homers have not only turned him into a sensation, but they have also provided much-needed momentum for Bowling Green. As fans eagerly await the next game, the Hot Rods are confident, having ensured their dominance over the Crawdads for the time being.
