Rockets rally vs. Jackers

FORT WAYNE — With an inning to play, the Rockets had just one hit and trailed 1-0. But they wouldn’t allow their hot streak to end.
Mitch Waters drew a leadoff walk to spark a three-run rally Thursday as Portland stole a 3-2 victory from the Fort Wayne Jackers at Carrington Field.
Waters, a 2002 Jay County High School graduate, worked the count full before drawing his walk. He then advanced to second on a T.J. Lindstrand sacrifice bunt.
After an Alex Delk walk, Fort Wayne (21-8, 9-5 Fort Wayne League) had a chance to escape the inning, when Collin Affolder (South Adams) hit a grounder that could have led to a double play. But he hustled down the line, reaching safely as the first baseman struggled to handle a low throw while Waters chugged around third base to score the game-tying run.
Thomas McCowan (Jay County) followed with a ground rule double to put runners on second and third and force a pitching change. Former Rocket Matt Ousley (South Adams) took the mound and got a rough reception as Cody Krumlauf ripped a two-run line drive to right field for a 3-1 lead.
Dan Bollenbacher (South Adams) finished off the game, giving up just one earned run on five hits. He struck out four batters.
The victory was the fourth straight for Portland (21-8, 8-3 FWL), following a sweep Sunday of the Fort Wayne Expos and a 4-1 win Tuesday over the Summit City Sluggers. They have won 12 out of 15 after a 7-7 start and will be at home for doubleheaders at 1 p.m. Saturday against Northeast Kekionga and Sunday against the Expos.[[In-content Ad]]