Dans take two from the Sliders

The Dans used two big innings and solid pitching to take a pair of 4-3 games from the Springfield Sliders on a hot and humid evening at Danville Stadium on Saturday.

Due to inclement weather Friday, the teams played a pair of seven-inning games. In game one, Danville did all its damage in the first inning. Chris Lewellyn and Frank Rawdow led off the game with back-to-back singles, and Austin Green followed with a shot down the left-field line for a two-run double. After a walk to Dabo Worthington put runners at first and second, Nate Johnson drilled a one-out single that the Sliders right fielder Adam Muenster misplayed for an error, allowing two more runs to score.

Danville would need all of its 4-0 lead. Springfield scored a run in the second inning on an Anthony Clark RBI single. Then in the fourth inning, the Sliders cut the lead to 4-3 when they plated a pair of runs on a Mike McQuillan RBI groundout and a TJ Blanton RBI infield single.

But there would be no more scoring in the contest. Dans reliever Richie Goodenow (1-0) came in to shut down the Sliders, as he threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings to pick up the win. With one out in the seventh inning, Goodenow turned the ball over to Aaron Lambrix, who picked up the final two outs to earn his second save of the year.

Each team had just four hits in the opening contest. Otto Roberts took the loss for Springfield. He pitched five innings and allowed all four runs – three earned – while striking out six and walking four. Starting hurler Codie Rollins got a no-decision for Danville. He threw 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs – one earned – on four hits and three walks while striking out three.

Just as they did in the first game, the Dans had an early four-run inning in game two, this time in the second frame. Worthington opened the inning with a double and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. He then scored Jason Nappi’s RBI groundout. Danville was far from done, though. After Nate Johnson and Ryan Van Amburg reached base, Goodenow laced a two-run double to right field. He later scored on a throwing error by Springfield starting pitcher Joe Neff that put Danville in front 4-0.

Justin Amlung (1-0) was stellar on the mound for the Dans. The right-hander allowed just one run in four innings of work and left with a 4-1 lead. Springfield made it close again, scoring twice in the sixth inning when Blanton crossed the plate on an error and Clay Cuno followed with a sac fly to give the game its final margin. But the Dans’ Mark Lamm relieved bullpen mate Kyle Donawerth with two outs in the sixth inning and the Sliders threatening. He struck out McQuillan with runners on the corners and went on to pick up a four-out save.

Goodenow batted 2-for-3 with a run and two RBIs in game two, and Dabo Worthington was 1-for-1 with two walks and a run. Neff took the loss for Springfield, as he allowed four runs on six hits in four innings.

The wins give the Dans a four-game winning streak and improve their record to 8-6 on the year. Danville has home games at 6:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday next week.