The Hannibal Hoots break open a close game in the late innings Thursday night, winning their third straight, 10-2 over the Springfield Sliders.

The Hoots got on top early, scoring two in the first when shortstop Jose Mercado and second baseman Josh Lane walked. Mercado scored on a pass ball, and Lane came home on a sacrifice fly off the bat of first baseman Jordan Humphries.

Hannibal added a run in the second when left fielder led off with a walk and came around to score on a ground by by Lane.

The Hoots made in 5-0 in the third on a bases loaded walk to center fielder Tommy Kraus and fielders choice by Mercado.

The Sliders tried to chip away at Hannibal's lead with solo home runs in the fourth by designated hitter Richard Miller and in the fifth by center fielder Tyler Tesmond.

Hannibal blew the game open in the seventh. They loaded the bases, scored one run when Lane reached on an error, and then DH Dylan Dodd sent one over the right field fence for a grand slam homer.

Randall Coxwell was the winning pitcher for the Hoots. The win improves their record to 7-17 and drops the Sliders to 15-13.

Hannibal enjoys a day off Friday, with the Sliders back at Clemens Field at 6:35 p.m. Saturday.

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