Rockabillys Swept in Doubleheader by Thrillville

MARION, Ill. - Jackson had a pair of chances to defeat their rivals Tuesday afternoon but failed to come away with a win, dropping the contests 9-6 and 11-3.

Game One

The pitching staff struggled to contain Thrillville in game one, which was evident from the first pitch. Lawson Ryan went four innings of the seven inning contest, and gave up six earned runs, while his staffmate Elijah Dunbar ran into similar issues as he gave up three runs of his own over one and a third.  

With the bats, there was life on the road for the Rockabillys, which was echoed by another marquee performance from Jake Maddox, who has been unconscious at the dish. His 3-for-4 effort was integral in the Goats clawing their way back from an initial six run deficit. Similarly, Ivan Vega has been swinging some flaming pine, as he went 2-for-3. Unfortunately, Maddox and Vega combined for five of the six Rockabillys hits, as the rest of the squad struggled to find solid footing. 

After the Goats found themselves trailing big early, a fifth inning consisting of three runs and a sixth that brought them one run trimmed the deficit down to two. However, just when the pitching staff seemed to have found some answers, Thrillville pounced and ballooned the lead back up to five before the seventh, and final, inning. 

In the seventh, Maddox had a two RBI single to get the Rockabillys within striking distance, but it was too late. Jackson had simply run out of time, and lost by three.

Game Two

Badly needing a recovery from their recent woes, Jackson aimed to get off to a better start in game two. But once again, the Thrillbillies owned the first two innings, and it was essentially over as the game began. 

Eight runs were waved around by the Thrillbillies in what became a blood bath. Chase Armstrong's start was riddled with defensive woes and missed spots as he was ushered out of the game after one and a third. 

Jackson Campbell and Connor Busson did their best to keep Jackson from being run-ruled, as they barely escaped said fate, but their trio of runs was not nearly enough to keep pace with the Thrillbillies.

Despite the best efforts from Drew McConnell, Cade Miles, and Bradey Moad, the Rockabillys would leave Marion with a four game losing streak looming over their head, and now they face must win games down the stretch. 

Can't Back Down

The recent four game skid for Jackson has put them in a precarious position when referring to the playoff hunt. The Rockabillys, who were squarely in first just four games prior, now sit at third in the south. However, they can still find themselves as south champions in the first half, but they no longer control their own destiny. It'll be box score watching for the Goats, as they need Thrillville to drop at least one game, and the Rockabillys need to win their pair of games versus Cape to take home the first half south division crown. 

Goats Notes: It's a much needed day off today for the 'Billys, but tomorrow they have a must-win contest against Cape at home, with first pitch set for 7:00 p.m. It is also Throwback Thursday with DJ Von and MAC.BID Bucks Giveaway night!