Graders thump Steam, 8-3

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CINCINNATI — A two-game winning streak is now in progress for the Galion Graders in the wake of an 8-3 victory over the Cincinnati Steam on Wednesday in the Queen City.

Galion (2-4) earned a sweep of the home and home series thanks to an 8-2 win on Tuesday at James D. Heddleson Field at Heise Park. That was Galion’s first win of the 2015 season after the ballclub suffered through a four-game losing skid.

Colton Carney had the big bat for the Graders on Wednesday evening. He belted a two-run home run in the first inning and finished 3-for-5 with four RBI and scored two runs. His round-tripper was the first in Graders history. Carney also had a two-run single in the top of the ninth.

Zach DeThomasis slapped a two-run single in the seventh inning and finished 1-for-3. Brandon Wright went 1-for-4.

Galion drew nine walks, led by Tyler Ocker’s four free passes. He scored two runs. J.T. Core walked twice and scored twice. Wright and Mark Delas each drew a walk and scored a run. Hunter Clanin also reached base via a walk.

Four Graders pitchers combined to hold Cincinnati bats in check. Josh Peterson (1-1) picked up the win in relief. He worked 1-1/3 innings, gave up one run on one hit and struck out one batter.

Kody Brown earned the save after pitching three innings. He struck out five batters and gave up only two hits.

Trent Downs was the starter for Galion. He surrendered two runs on five hits in 4-2/3 innings of work. Downs recorded three strikeouts and one walk.

A.J. Cecil entered the game in the seventh inning, but was lifted after walking the only two batters he faced.

Cincinnati starter Brandon Smither took the loss after giving up four runs on two hits and walking four batters in three innings. Smither also recorded four strikeouts.

Ted Andrews worked four innings in relief and gave up two runs on two hits. He struck out four batters and walked three.

Josh Buchalski pitched the final two innings for the Steam and was touched for two runs on one hit. He had four strikeouts and two walks.

Max Foley went 2-for-4, scored twice and drove in two runs to lead the Cincinnati offense. Alex Corna finished 1-for-3 and drove in a run. Trey Ganns went 1-for-4 and scored a run. The Steam (2-2) finished with eight hits.

Galion travels to Lorain on Thursday to face the Lorain County Ironmen at The Pipeyard. The Ironmen (0-4) are still in search of their first win after losing 9-3 to Hamilton on Sunday. Lorain County has not played since then.

The Graders return home on Friday for the second game against the Ironmen. First pitch will be at 5:30 p.m. The start time was moved up because installation of the new lights at Heise Park has not yet been completed.

Galion will play host to the Grand Lake Mariners at 2 p.m. on Saturday James D. Heddleson Field at Heise Park.

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