Milan Scores Eight Unanswered to Rally Past Atlanta

The Milan Wildcats scored the final eight runs of Monday’s game against Atlanta as they rallied for a 9-3 victory. The game was tied 1-1 after both teams hit solo home runs in the first inning. The Hornets broke the tie in the bottom of the fifth inning thanks to Grady Hruska.

Colin Schowe with the call on Superstation KRES and centralmoinfo.com. The Wildcats responded in the top of the sixth inning with Ethan Bennett hitting a two-run single to tie the game and chase starting pitcher Landon Gilliland from the game. Landon Gladhill replaced Gilliland on the mound and was immediately met by Milan’s Kamden Deryke.

Deryke later scored on an RBI double by Hunter Reed to cap the four-run sixth. The Wildcats added four more runs in the seventh inning with Deryke again providing the big blow with a two-run triple. Milan had nine hits for the game with seven going for extra bases. Milan coach Nathan Dodson explained the message to the offense in the late innings.

Deryke finished the game 2-3 with a double, a triple, and three RBIs. Greyson Smith went 2-4 with a home run, a double and two runs scored in the contest. On the mound, Jeremy Bennett came in relief of younger brother Ethan to get the win. The elder Bennett retired all eight Hornet hitters he faced, which included six strikeouts. Dodson praised both Bennetts on their pitching performances.

The Hornets were held to just two hits with Gilliland’s first inning home run providing the only other scoring for the hosts. Atlanta coach Collan Thrasher said his offense is struggling at the moment.

Gilliland suffered the tough-luck loss as he allowed four runs over five-and-a-third innings. He racked up twelve strikeouts on the evening. Thrasher praised his starter’s effort.

The loss drops the Hornets to 6-7 on the season. Meanwhile, Milan snapped a ten-game losing streak as they improved to 5-11.

Milan coach Nathan Dodson

Atlanta coach Collan Thrasher