Big Inning, Dominant Relief Key Much-Needed Win for Bats

HOLYOKE, Mass. - The Keene SwampBats were ready for redemption with an offensive explosion against the Valley Blue Sox Sunday afternoon in a 10-4 victory.

Joe Olson (Louville) had the starting nod on the mound for the SwampBats. It was a new look for him in his college career as Olson has been a reliever for the SwampBats so far and in his freshman year at Louisville. This start did not last long however, as after only two innings of work, Olson was relieved.

Keene's bullpen shined with bright stars as Brayden Gilson (Florida Atlantic) threw for 3 innings while allowing 2 runs, and the SwampBats offense took complete shape in his outing.

It all started when Micah Kendrick (Kent State) followed a sacrifice fly with a 2-out, drag bunt single, to bring in a run to make the score 3-2 as Keene still trailed. It was the next at bat as Jackson Marshall (UConn) delivered a two run single that gave the Bats the lead where that never had to look back at.

The SwampBats lineup was consistently having smart at bats, working walks in very clutch spots. Though, a guy that stuck out the most was Jackson Smith (Cincinnati) who tallied 4 hits and reached base all five times he was batting. 

The game was capped off by a spectacular performance by Brody Krzysiak (Kent State) who went 4.1 innings out of the bullpen, racking up 9 strikeouts while closing the door on the Blue Sox for a 10-4 win.

The SwampBats are back on the road Monday night as they make there way to Upper Valley. The first pitch against the Nighthawks is scheduled for 6:00.