Hannibal Hoots End Losing Skid with 9-1 Win at Springfield

The Hannibal Hoots brought their four-game losing streak to an end Wednesday, knocking off the Sliders 9-1 in Springfield.

After giving up a run in the second, Hannibal tied the game in the third when second baseman Josh Lane was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on a double by catcher Brady West.

Then, in the fourth, the Hoots batted around, scoring four times. After a walk and an infield single, two runs scored on an error. Then, shortstop Duante DeCello drove in a run with a base hit and scored on an infield hit by left fielder Joe Roscetti.

Hannibal broke the game open in the fifth. With one out, right fielder Aaron Goecks homered. The next two batters reached, followed by an RBI base hit by center fielder Patrick Donohue and a run-scoring sacrifice fly by Lane.

The Hoots added one more run in the ninth on DH Chris Iazzetta's fourth home run of the season.

Pitcher Graham Kuck went five innings in his first start of the season, picking up the win.

The win improves Hannibal's record to 21-30, while the Sliders drop to 27-23.

The Hoots host the Chillicothe Paints in an inter-divisional match-up at Clemens Field Thursday at 6:35 p.m.