(EVANSVILLE, Ind.) – Jake Rogers belted a grand slam and Jorge Lugo took a no-hitter into the sixth inning as the Evansville Otters defeated the Gateway Grizzlies 5-3 for the team’s first win of the season.

 

The Otters loaded the bases in the fourth inning and Grizzlie starter Mark Pawelek walked Pat Rose to force in a run. That brought up Jake Rogers who greeted reliever Richard Barrett with a grand slam to left field.

 

Ahead 5-0, Jorge Lugo continued to cruise along as he totaled seven strikeouts on the evening. Lugo allowed a two-run home run to Charlie Lisk in the sixth inning but settled down as he was able to end the inning.

 

The Evansville bullpen took over from there as Jared Simon pitched two hitless innings and Robert Romero shut the door in the ninth inning for the save. Robert issued a solo home run to Jareck West and then a single to catcher Breck Draper to bring the tying run to the plate. Toby Davis pinch-hit for Gateway but popped up to Tim Schalch end the game.

 

The Evansville Otters improve to 1-3 on the season with the win as the Gateway Grizzlies drop to 3-1.

 

Jorge Lugo earned the win for the Otters as Matt Pawelek took the loss after allowing four runs in 3 2/3 innings. He also walked seven hitters and hit three more batters in his first decision of the season.  

 

Both teams will meet again tomorrow night at Bosse Field as the Grizzlies and Otters continue the three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM CST with Chris Peters and B.J. Dail as the probable starters.

 

Fans can call the team’s office at (812) 435-8686 or stop by Bosse Field at 1701 N. Main Street in Evansville for tickets.

 

The game can also be heard on the radio beginning at 6:20 PM on WUEV 91.5 FM. Mike Radomski will have the play-by-play for the game with Bill McKeon providing the color commentary.