LocalSportsJournal.com
MUSKEGON – Tuesday doubleheader action from Marsh Field started with a rocky 13-1 loss for the Clippers, but Muskegon was able to battle back in a 3-2 victory to split the evening with Jet Box.
A walk-off home run by Donovan Rinehart provided the Clippers the winning run in the second game.
In Game 1, Muskegon struggled to find consistency with their bats and the arms that took the mound. Five different pitchers saw the field through seven innings, with only Drew Zittel lasting more than two innings.
Jet Box got off to a quick start, notching a two-run homer and silencing the Clippers in the first inning. That momentum carried into the middle innings as Jet Box matched Muskegon in hits in innings two and three, but managed to score two as the Clippers remained without a run.
With a 4-0 lead heading into the fourth, Jet Box put their foot on the gas, scoring seven runs on nine hits through the remaining four half innings. The Clippers answered in the bottom of the sixth when Brandon Scheurer scored on a fielder’s choice.
Zittel picked up the loss in the first game, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out two through three innings. Charlie Branch, Ethan Henry, Ben Alderson and Stoney Smith all saw time on the mound.
Photo/Brendan Samuels
The nightcap saw the Clippers fare much better after battling a scoreless first inning. In the top of the second, Muskegon rallied and closed out the inning with a home run from Sam Lisiak to put them up 1-0.
Jet Box battled back in the top of the third, hitting a home run of its own to score two runs and put the Clippers behind 2-1. The Clippers were quick to respond as Scheurer crossed home plate with the bases loaded.
Knotted up at 2-2 at the end of regulation (seven innings), DJ Thompson made quick work of Jet Box in the top of the eighth innings, allowing the Clippers a chance to walk it off.
Three pitches into their first at bat, Rinehart cracked a long ball off his bat and earned Muskegon the split with a 3-2 win.
Jack Decker earned the win in game two thanks to a strong final inning – the only frame he pitched. DJ Thompson was the Clippers’ starting pitcher and he went seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five.
Scheurer was the top hitter for Muskegon, going 3-for-6 on the night. Rinehart, Lisiak and Luke Kerrins all recorded an RBI.
The Clippers moved to 13-2 and stayed at the top of the North Division with the Lima Locos (13-4) hot on their tail. Muskegon will look to win the series with Jet Box as they host Game 3 at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday.
