Ethan Peltier
7-29-2024
With the regular season coming to a close, the Tri-State Coal Cats hosted their final home series against the Danville Otterbots. Both teams had an extended break due to the All-Star game, which was played the day before. The teams sat on opposite ends of the standings coming into the matchup, with Danville standing at the top of the Appy League East with a record of 26-15, and Tri-State sitting at the bottom of the division at 19-22.
Tri-State All-Stars: C Logan Poteet, OF Michael Rodriguez, RHP Joe Gomez, RHP David Stitch, RHP Josh McDevitt
Danville All-Stars: C Jacob Smith, INF Cole Johnson , INF Callan Moss, INF Addison Smith, RHP Kobie Cushing, RHP Mason Hatcher, LHP Cyle Phelan
The four game series kicked off Wednesday afternoon, with the Otterbotts taking game one by a final score of 1-6. Michael Callan Moss hit a home run in the top of the first to give Danville an early lead, and the Otterbotts never looked back from there. Despite out-hitting Danville 6-2, the Cats could not manage to put runs on the board. The defense also struggled in key moments as Evan Holewinski and Jack Brooker gave up a combined nine walks and six earned runs.
“You can’t walk guys in this league. They score,” said Tommy Gregg following the loss.
Game two also went in favor of the Otterbots, this time by a final score of 1-3. Similar to the previous night, Danville was quick to score. Cole Johnson managed to bat in Micah Dean to take the lead, but Tri-State was able to tie the game in the bottom half of the inning. The teams remained in a 1-1 deadlock, until Danville reclaimed the lead after an errant pitch from Bryce Dolby. The Otterbots tacked on another run to their lead in the top of the 8th, and held on the rest of the way for their third straight win.
“Offensive-wise, we’re still just struggling,” remarked Gregg following the contest.
The offensive struggles continued into game three of the series, which saw Danville shutout Tri-State by a score of 0-3. Zecheriah Gibson had a solid start pitching for the Otterbots throwing five strikeouts, and allowed only three hits in four complete innings. Danville’s first two runs of the game came off sac-flies, courtesy of Antonio Cordeiro and Alex Conover. Tri-State would end up leaving a total of twelve men on base.
“We got a couple of guys at third base,” said Gregg regarding the team’s offense. “We just can’t get them in.”
Tri-State managed to avoid being swept in game four, as the Cats secured a convincing 9-0 victory. Logan Poteet led the way offensively, earning four RBIs on the day. A much-needed offensive explosion paired with a solid day from the bullpen – which only allowed three hits – propelled the Cats to victory in their final home game of the season.
“It’s been an exciting summer,” remarked Gregg following the win. “I’m not ready for it to end almost.”
Tri-State has already been eliminated from playoff contention, however it will play in one final series to conclude its inaugural season. The Cats will travel to Pulaski to take on the River Turtles in a three-game series. Game one of that series kicks off tonight at 7p.m. ET at Calfee Park.
Until then, be sure to catch more Tri-State Coal Cats coverage in the “Coal Cats Corner” section of the website.