Romero dominates, Catfish down Hoots

It was Jorge Romero’s world and the O’Fallon Hoots were living in it on Monday night.

From the first pitch, Romero had command of all of his pitches as he diced through the Hoots lineup over six scoreless innings.

Romero was backed up by the Catfish offense that managed to scratch across seven runs in a 7-0 win over the Hoots at Capaha Field.

“Tucker (Stockman) called a great game,” Romero said. “We had a good gameplan for the Hoots because we’ve played them before.”

Stockman said Romero’s ability to stay around the zone helped him have success.

“He did a really great job and he was just pounding the zone,” Stockman said. “When you pound it, it’s easy.”

The Catfish would waste no time as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first with a two-run triple courtesy of Lane Crowden.

A 2-run double in the bottom of the fourth by Quinton Borders increased the lead to 4-0 before Borders would score on a single by Chris Hall.

Stockman said when the bats are going, it makes the game easier to call.

“It definitely changes the way I call the game,” Stockman said. “I call the game very fastball-heavy when we’re up.”

Romero’s final line was six innings pitched, just three hits allowed while striking out five and walking just one.

Backing up Romero in relief was Curry Sutherland who tossed a scoreless inning while striking out two of the three batters he faced.

Bryce Morgan would finish out the game as he tossed a pair of scoreless frames to lock down the win for the Catfish.

“They both did a great job,” Stockman said.

Offensively, the two former Jackson Indians in Crowden and Borders led the way with two RBIs each in the win.

The Catfish (26-9) are back in action at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, when they hit the road to take on the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes.

The Catfish will return to Capaha Field at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, when they host Rex Baseball.