The Fort Wayne TinCaps closed out the first half of the season with a 5-1 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
Game recap from the Fort Wayne TinCaps:
Back-to-Back Home Runs Push TinCaps Past Timber Rattlers
By Joseph HartzellFort Wayne, Indiana (June 20, 2024) – The Fort Wayne TinCaps closed out the first half of the season with a 5-1 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers affiliate). Back-to-back homeruns from center fielder Joshua Mears and catcher Colton Bender in the third inning proved to be the difference in front of 5,445 fans at Parkview Field on a sweltering, 90-degree Thursday night.
In a game that featured both teams wearing alternate identity uniforms, things went according to plan for Fort Wayne (28-38), which played as the Hoosier State Tenderloins in red, white, and blue jerseys and hats. Starting pitcher Fernando Sanchez threw a gem, and the TinCaps offense backed him up. The lefty struck out three while only walking one batter against Wisconsin (42-24), which sported its Udder Tuggers threads.
Meanwhile, for the ‘Caps, the offense did their part as well. In the second, Bender doubled and then scored as third baseman Alain Camou picked up his first High-A RBI with a sacrifice fly. The TinCaps didn’t stay quiet for long, as they posted a crooked number in the third inning. Designated hitter Jay Beshears (No. 27 Padres prospect) singled and second baseman Anthony Vilar reached on a fielder’s choice with an error. Mears proceeded to launch the third pitch he saw over the left-center field wall with an exit velocity of 110 miles per hour. Not to be outdone, Bender followed suit, depositing one in nearly the same spot pushing the TinCaps lead to 5-0.
The game stayed put at 5-0 until the top of the seventh inning. A pair of sharply hit singles, followed by an infield single allowed the T-Rats to score their only run of the game on a sacrifice fly pushing the score to 5-1. That was the final score, as relievers Tyler Morgan and Manuel Castro combined for two scoreless innings in relief to shut the door and finish the game for Fort Wayne.
The Hoosier State Tenderloins Series presented by Indiana Pork, which will continue Friday and Saturday, also features a petting farm on the outfield concourse, special merchandise in The Orchard Team Store, and, of course, breaded tenderloin sandwiches on the menu at concession stands.
Next Game: Friday, June 21 vs. Wisconsin (7:05pm)
- TinCaps Probable Starter: RHP Henry Baez (No. 30 Padres prospect)
- Timber Rattlers Probable Starter: RHP Will Rudy
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