Five-run first lifts Locos to 3-0 record

LIMA - The Lima Locos hadn't played since Saturday and were plainly itching to get back onto the field.

The Locos responded to an early Anderson lead by grabbing an 8-4 win to remain perfect at 3-0 in early season Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League play.

The Servants grabbed a quick 1-0 lead thanks to some early jitters by Locos starting pitcher Ajay Meyer (Ashland University).

A leadoff single followed by a walk put the first two Servants on base and a balk advanced them to second and third base with no outs.

First baseman William Langford drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to center field before Meyer settled down and retired the next two Anderson batters.

The Locos responded immediately when leadoff hitter Anthony Toth (Michigan) started the Locos half of the inning with a single up the middle. JD Ashbrook coaxed a walk and both runners advanced a base on a passed ball. Tristan Moore followed with an infield single that drove in Toth and tied the game at 1-1. Another walk to cleanup hitter Troy Snitker loaded the bases with nobody out.

A wild pitch allowed Ashbrook to score and third baseman Ryan Bridges (Purdue) followed with a three-run home run to give the Locos a 5-1 lead to end the first. It was the second straight game that Bridges had connected for a three-run homer.

"I fought off a couple of curves before I got a fastball I liked," Bridges said. "It was big coming back from the deficit and it felt good to be playing again."

Meyer settled down after the rough start and allowed only a solo home run to Langford over the next three innings as he improved to 2-0 on the season.

The lanky right hander mixed a fastball, curve and change-up to keep Anderson at bay.

Locos coach Rob Livchak was able to use three more pitchers in the game, including Tyler Newhart (Wright State) who saw his first action of the year. Newhart gave up a couple of harmless singles in the ninth before retiring the side without any damage.

Lefty Bobby Brosnahan (Michigan) and righty Brad Long (Kennesaw State) also saw mound time for the Locos.

"It was the first I saw Newhart throw in a game," Livchak said. "We hadn't played since Saturday so the five-spot was big. Bridges put a good swing on the ball and we're 3-0 and get to go at it again tomorrow (Friday)."

The Locos return to action at Simmons Field with games at 7 p.m. Friday against the Hamilton Joes and a Saturday doubleheader against Southern Ohio, which begins at 3 p.m.