HAUlers run-rule monarchs - 10 straight wins!!

Gino Sabatine (Senior, Marietta College) took the mound for the Ice Haulers tonight, as they traveled to Adrian, Michigan. The Haulers took on the Monarchs, looking for their 10th straight win. The game was delayed for 54 minutes due to potential rain, with a high heating index temperature. The heat however did not stop the heat from the Ice Hauler bats. 

In the top of the first, the Ice Haulers would make a jump start against the Monarchs, scoring three runs. After a sacrifice fly hit by Mark Connelly (Sophomore, Lansing Community College), the designated hitter, Tyler Byrd (Freshman, Texas A&M - Corpus Christi) would drill the ball to deep left center field, for a 2-RBI double.  This would give the Ice Haulers a 3-0 lead, going into the bottom of the first.

The Monarchs would then score two unanswered runs off Sabatine, hoping to stay in the ballgame, as they trailed 3-2. However, the Ice Haulers continued seeing the ball well as the game went on. During the top of the second, the Haulers would load the bases for the dangerous, Scott Mackiewicz (Freshman, University of Toledo). Mackiewicz would hit a line drive single, scoring Zachary Campbell (Senior, Tiffin University) and Braden Durham (Sophomore, University of South Carolina – Upstate). This would give the Haulers a 5-2 lead. 

During the top of the third, the Ice Haulers would tally up five more runs. First, the Ice Haulers would gain an insurance run by a bases loaded walk. Then, the Tiffin Dragon, Zachary Campbell (Senior, Tiffin University) would hit a two-run single extending the Hauler lead, with a score of 8-2. Mackiewicz and Connelly would each follow up with RBI singles after Campbell’s hit. Campbell’s hit also increased his hitting streak to seven games. “It feels great to be seeing the ball well and continuing to improve as the season goes on. I am glad to be a part of this team’s success, and I am happy we keep winning games.” After the third inning, the Ice Haulers lead 10-2.

The Ice Haulers would continue to pour it on the Monarchs, scoring four more runs in the fifth inning. This gave the Ice Haulers a 14-3 lead at this point in the game. The shortstop, Jordan Andrade (Freshman, University of Nevada Las Vegas) would have the biggest hit in the inning, as he would obtain a two-run double. Andrade has now increased his hitting streak to six games, as he continues to stay clutch. “I honestly did not know I had a hitting streak going on for that long. My goal was to improve from how I was doing in the beginning of the season. Going hitless for four of the first five games, and comparing to my hits now, has been a big difference,” Andrade said. Scott Mackiewicz would also obtain another RBI in the inning. He would finish the night 4-4, with four RBIs. 

As the Ice Haulers would obtain another run in the sixth inning, they would run rule the Monarchs, with a score of 15-3.  Gino Sabatine would earn the winning decision, as Chase Norris (Freshman, West Virginia State University) would earn a save, since he pitched the last three innings. 

The Ice Haulers have now won 10 straight games and take a three-game lead over Jet Box in the North Division. The Ice Haulers will be back home tomorrow in Sandusky, to take on the Galion Graders. First pitch will be at 7:00pm.