After a mercy rule victory on Wednesday, the Johnstown Mill Rats weren’t able to create
a comeback against the Thrillville ThrillBillies, losing 9-6 in extra innings at Sargent’s Stadium
on Thursday night.
Johnstown handed the ball to right-hander George Henkel to begin the game, and his
outing is one he would probably like back, as he allowed three earned-runs across four innings
while allowing four walks and only inducing two strikeouts. The top of the fourth was especially
rough for Henkel, who allowed RBI singles to Thrillville designated hitter Michael Mylott and
shortstop Kaleb Herbert.
The Mill Rats would answer back in the bottom half of the fourth, as designated hitter
Peyton Starr and center fielder Carter Rust would contribute with RBIs to bring the game even
at three runs a piece, chasing Thrillbillies starter J Henry Hobson, who allowed two earned runs
across 3.2 IP.
Thrillville regained their advantage in the top of the sixth, kick started by a solo home run
from right fielder Jack Porter, which was followed up by a double off the left field screen monster
from Mylott that would eventually lead him to scoring via a stolen base and an error from Mill
Rats catcher Logan Murphy, extending the Thrillbillies lead to 5-3.
Mill Rats first baseman Wesley Parker had arguably the biggest hit of the evening, taking
an Austin Gast fastball over the left-field wall for a three-run home run, tying the game at six
apiece in the bottom of the eighth and eventually leading the game to extra innings.
In the extra frame, Thrillville would put up a three-spot thanks to left fielder Alex Wilson,
pinch hitter Charlie Isom-McCall and second baseman Jaden Correa all having an RBI hit off
Johnstown reliever Owen Wilfong and reliever Spencer Maley.
Thrillville reliever Zach Haygood would shut things down in the 10th, leading to the 9-6
ThrillBillies victory.
The loss dropped Johnstown to an even 10-10 record, while Thrillville moved to 14-5.
Johnstown heads on the road before returning home on Wednesday for a five-game
home-stand at Sargent’s Stadium.