Ethan S. Smith – 07/11/24
The Chillicothe Paints scored three-runs in the ninth inning, propelling the Paints to an 8-7
victory over the Johnstown Mill Rats at Sargent’s Stadium at The Point on Thursday evening.
Right hander Nathan Vidmar got the start for the Mill Rats on Thursday, tossing six innings while
allowing four earned runs and striking out six Chillicothe Paints batters.
Johnstown kicked off the scoring in the second inning off Chillicothe starter Carter White, as
shortstop Parker Martin(1-for-2), catcher Joey Perry(1-for-3) and left fielder Cael Magill(2-for-4)
tallied RBI-singles to give the Mill Rats a three-run advantage early. Perry ended the day with
two-RBIs, a week removed from his multi-RBI game on July 4.
Chillicothe would answer right back, as center fielder Eric Colaco(2-for-5) launched a three-run
home run over the left field wall to bring the game even at three in the top of the third.
Chillicothe second baseman Jhors Gomez(1-for-4) gave the Paints their first lead of the evening
in the sixth inning, courtesy of a no-doubt solo home run over the left field screen monster. Joey
Perry brought the game back to a tie with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth with a sacrifice
fly to score Mill Rats first baseman Landon Meyer(0-0).
Johnstown left-hander Spencer Maley relieved Vidmar in the seventh inning, tossing a scoreless
frame.
Right-hander Owen Wilfong got the eighth inning, allowing one earned run as Chillicothe pinch
hitter Ken Hemmer collected an RBI-single. Wilfong forced two pop-ups to follow, salvaging the
Mill Rats lead.
Right-hander Callum Montgomery was tasked with the save in his Mill Rats debut, but
Chillicothe found instant offense versus Montgomery, as Chillicothe shortstop Cameron Bowen,
catcher Reid Douglas and first baseman Trevor Coltenback all reached safely.
Left-fielder Ben Schecterman drove one into right field to give Chillicothe the lead in the ninth
before Montgomery was removed for left-hander AJ Folk, who pitched a scoreless outing.
Chillicothe right-fielder and right-hander Tim Orr was greeted with a solo home run from
Johnstown center fielder Carter Rust(0-for-0), bringing the Mill Rats within one. Orr shut things
down from there, securing the Chillicothe victory.
The loss was the first home loss of the second half for the Mill Rats, dropping their record to 3-5.
Chillicothe improved to 6-3.
Johnstown and Chillicothe play the rubber match of their three-game series on Friday.