Bats were blistered as the Prior Lake Jays defeated the Chanhassen Red Birds 10-9 Wednesday evening.
The Jays went at it right away and opened the scoring in the top of the first thanks to two doubles; they first got on the board when Michael Gabbard doubled, scoring two runs. They added another run in the second when Jeff Butler singled, making the score 4-2. With an early lead established, in the top of the third inning, Gradon Welton induced Henry Brandt to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored, and an error scored two more runs.
The Jays built a 7-run lead in the sixth inning and then held off Chanhassen’s charge, but not for long. The Red Birds closed the gap by scoring on two home runs, a double, an error, and a single. Chanhassen scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh on a home run to left field by Joe Jersak. The Red Birds would again threaten in the eighth and ninth innings coming within a run and with runners in scoring position.
Sam Brower earned the win for Prior Lake Jays. Brower surrendered seven hits and four runs over seven innings, striking out six with no walks. Welton started on the hill for Chanhassen and surrendered seven hits and seven runs (two earned) over three innings, striking out one and walking three. Charles Running appeared in relief for the Prior Lake Jays.
The Jays tallied 12 hits in the game. Lance Goeschel and Ross Hebel each collected three hits for PL. Hebel led with two runs batted in and went 3-for-4 on the day. Gabbard collected two hits in five at-bats.
The Jays are back in action at Veterans Field in Prior Lake on Friday night, with the first of their final two games of the regular season with a 7:30 pm match-up against the Eagan Bandits.