Paints Battle For 9-8 Win Over Illinois Valley

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by CohenOrthopedic, need to take the lead for a third time Sunday night at VA Memorial Stadium, doing so in the bottom of the seventh and hanging on for a 9-8 win over the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp.

Illinois Valley (26-14) got the early lead, scoring two in the top of the third on a single and a passed ball, taking its first lead at 2-0.

Chillicothe (27-14) answered with a four-run bottom of the third, scoring on bases-loaded walk by Jhors Gomes, a sacrifice fly by Felix Polanco, a throwing error by the Pistol Shrimp catcher and an infield hit by Clay Burdette, giving the Paints their first lead at 4-2.

Kyle Gibson gave Illinois Valley its second lead with a three-run home run in the top of the fourth, making it 5-4.

Tim Orr singled home Casey Maruniak in the bottom of the inning, tying the game at 5-5. 

The Paints took the lead for the second time in the bottom of the sixth, scoring on Polanco's fielder's choice and giving the Paints a 6-5 advantage.

The Pistol Shrimp took their third lead of the night in the top of the seventh on Chance Resetich's two-run home run and it was 7-6. 

Eric Colaco singled home a run in the bottom of the seventh, tying the game at 6-6. Later in the inning, Tim Orr doubled home Colaco and Reid Douglas, giving the Paints their third lead at 9-7.

Chance Bentley led off the ninth with a home run - the third of the night for Illinois Valley - cutting it to a one-run game. The Pistol Shrimp got the tying run to second with one out, but Braden Shepherd struck out Mikana Olaso and, on the play, Tyler Dorsch was thrown out trying to steal third, ending the game with the Paints in front 9-8.

The Paints have Monday off, they play a doubleheader in Normal, Ill., against the CornBelters Tuesday at 6 p.m. After an off day Wednesday, the Paints return home for five games over four days Thursday-Sunday.