Paints Win 7-4, Split Series In Johnstown

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by Adena Health System, jumped out to an early lead, hanging on for a 7-4 win over the Mill Rats at Johnstown's Sargent Stadium at the Point Thursday.

Chillicothe (18-10) got two, two-out walks in the top of the first, putting runners on for Mike Sprocket, who tripled to right field, scoring both and giving the Paints an early 2-0 lead.

Kade Wroot hit a solo home run in the top of the fourth, his first of the year, making it 3-0. Tim Orr hit his fourth of the year in the fifth inning, a solo home run making it 4-0 Chillicothe.

Johnstown (11-15) got on the board in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Lukas Torres singled, stealing second and scoring on a two-out double by Jake Casey, cutting the Chillicothe lead to 4-1.

Chillicothe took advantage of a hit batter, three walks, three wild pitches and a two-out, two-run double by Santrel Farmer in the top of the eighth, scoring three runs and taking a 7-1 lead.

The Mill Rats made it interesting with three runs in the ninth, but ended up three runs short.

Paints starter Justin Diefenbach (2-1) turned in a strong performance, allowing just one run on four hits, striking out six and walking six to grab his second win of the year. Todd Bangtson followed with a scoreless innings of work, allowing just one hit and hitting one batter. Nick Lallathin struck out all four batters he faced and Seth Evans threw the final inning.

The Paints return to VA Memorial Stadium Friday night for a home game against Johnstown at 7:05 p.m. The first 500 fans receive a reusable Paints grocery bag, courtesy of Homeland Credit Union.