Eastlake, OH- The Lake County Captains (31-29) looked to snap a 3 game losing streak against the Beloit Sky Carp (28-32) on Defenders on the Diamond night at Classic Park. The Captains had LHP Doug Nikhazy (1-3, 3.35 ERA) starting on the mound for the home team, while RHP Evan Fitterer (1-3, 4.81 ERA) looked to extend the Sky Carps winning streak.
Doug Nikhazy started the top of the 3rd by hitting Sky Carp C Bennett Hostetler. After two strike outs, Nikahzy walked two straight to load the bases. 1B Marcus Chiu was barely grazed on the elbow bringing in the first run of the game. The Captains were arguing a bit from the dugout that Chiu leaned into the pitch, and honestly had a pretty good argument, however the call stood and the Sky Carp ended the top of the 2nd up 1-0.
In the bottom of the 2nd for the Captains, red hot DH Alexfri Planez hit his 6th home run of the season over the right field wall tying the game up at one a piece. Next, CF Petey Halpin singled, followed by a single by LF Johnathon Rodriguez advancing Halpin to third. C Mike Amditis was able to bring in Halpin on a RBI ground out. Captains regained the lead ending the inning 2-1.
Doug Nikhazy was pulled after walking C Bennett Hostetler in the 6th. Nikhazy put in 5.0 innings of work giving up only 3 hits, 2 batters HBP, 4 walks, and 5 Strikeouts, and allowed 2 earned runs. He was relieved by Zach Hart (3-1, 5.82 ERA). Hart gave up a HR on just the second pitch he threw to Sky Carp 3B Ynmanol Marinez that just barely made it over right field wall to once again give Beloit the lead 3-2. The home run was 324 feet, just 4 feet over the 320 foot sign.
Jhonkensy Noel came up in the bottom of the 6th inning and did what he does best, blasting a league leading 18th home run to center field. A solo bomb that tied the game up at 3-3. Noel has such power you can tell just by the sound of the bat hitting the ball he has incredible strength.
Davis Sharpe (1-1, 3.60 ERA) came in to take over for Hart in the top of the 7th, that being Sharpe's third appearance for the Captains.
Raul Brito (1-2, 3.20 ERA) finally relieved Evan Fitterer in the bottom of the 7th for the Sky Carp. Fritterer pitched 6.0 innings giving up 6 hits, 1 BB, 4 strike outs, and 3 ER.
Captains 3B Angel Martinez was walked to start the bottom of the 8th. Joe Naranjo singled with a chopper over the first base for a single advancing Martinez to third. In a wild play Jhonkensy Noel hit grounder to the first baseman who threw in home and caught Martinez in a run down and tagged him near home. Naranjo was trying to get to third when Sky Carp C Bennett Hostetler over threw the third baseman allowing Naranjo to score and give the Captains the lead. A single by C Petey Halpin knocked in Jhonkensy Noel for a insurance run, Captains lead 5-3 after 8.
Davis Sharpe stayed in the game and was able to wrap things up for a Captains win.
The Captains finish off the series Sunday at 1:00 PM. Tommy Mace (0-1, 5.70 ERA) starts for the Captains, while Beloit will have Zach King (2-3, 3.46 ERA) getting the nod.
After the game I talked to Jhonkensy Noel about his 18th home run of the season and what he has been doing, and seeing at the plate all season long.
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