Goats Lose Doubleheader to Thrillville

MARION, Ill.- Thrillville exacted their revenge on the Rockabillys in a doubleheader Wednesday night, with the Thrillbillies conquering consecutive contests 8-3 and 8-7.

Game One

The first game saw a porous Rockabillys offensive performance, as they configured just four hits, and struck out eleven times against the Thrillbillies staff. Despite this, Jackson began with a lead, thanks to a Brooks Jones triple to center that plated Mason Acton. 

After this, the Thrillbillies garnered consecutive three run innings versus Jackson Campbell, before eventually coasting the rest of the way. 

The fight wasn't over for the visitors, with Jackson rushing across a pair in the fifth on the back of a Jack Pitts double and an Acton walk. 

That would spell the end of the momentum for the Rockabillys though, as only Drake Blackwood managed to join the hit party, in a quiet 8-3 defeat.

Game Two

The Goats had a bit more fire in game two, cruising to an early 4-0 lead. Drew Ripepi, Ivan Vega, and newcomer Ashton Horchem highlighted the first two innings for the Rockabillys, and had brought them some early cushion. 

Charlie Jury scored another run in the third after Thrillville had plated their own, and Jackson rolled into the final frame of the game with a 5-1 lead. 

However, with one down, and bases loaded, Thrillbillies outfielder Luke Landrus uncorked a game-tying grand slam to left field against two-way player Drew Blalock, sending Marion into utter mayhem. Following this, Blalock would allow two more hits before being replaced by reliever Jaxson Lucas. 

Bases were once again loaded, however this time, Lucas would work some magic, stirke out a pair, and take the Goats into extra innings. 

There, Jackson powered across a couple on a duo of fielder's choices. They would once again possess a lead in the late game. And yet, it wasn't enough to finish the job, as a two out rally in the eighth culminated in a two-RBI single from Bryson Arnette, resulting in a 8-7 walk-off loss in the night cap. 

Goats Notes: Jackson has one more road opportunity tonight against the Cape Catfish, before returning home for a trio of games versus Illinois Valley and Cape once more. First pitch for the road test is set for 6:35 p.m. CDT.