The Decatur Bean Ballers officially began a new chapter in franchise history on opening day as they took the field for the first game ever in team history against the Lafayette Aviators. Decatur came out strong early and held the lead deep into the game, but a rough seventh inning allowed Lafayette to rally for a 10-5 victory.
The Bean Ballers wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. Matthew Novominsky scored the first run in franchise history after a ground ball double play off the bat of Grayson Roberson. Later in the inning, Carder Reich delivered the first RBI hit in team history with a single that also brought home Oneill Feliz to give Decatur a quick 3-0 advantage.
Lafayette answered in the second inning with an RBI single from Isaac Incinelli, but the Bean Ballers continued to control the game behind solid pitching and timely defense.
In the fourth inning, Dane Hrasky added another run after stealing second base and eventually scoring on a throwing error to extend the Decatur lead to 4-1.
Lafayette chipped away in the fifth inning before Brandon Abernathy came through with a clutch RBI double down the right field line to score Grayson Roberson and make it 5-2 Bean Ballers.
Decatur appeared in control entering the seventh inning, but Lafayette’s offense erupted. The Aviators scored six runs in the frame, capitalizing on walks, defensive miscues, and timely hitting to take an 8-5 lead they would never surrender. Lafayette added two more insurance runs in the ninth inning to close out the scoring.
Despite the loss, several Bean Ballers turned in impressive performances in the inaugural game. Brandon Abernathy led the offense by going 3-for-3 with an RBI double. Grayson Roberson added two hits, while Carder Reich collected two hits and an RBI. Matthew Novominsky, Oneill Feliz, and Dane Hrasky each scored a run.
On the mound, Nathan Trimble started the first game in franchise history and allowed just one run over three innings while striking out two. Daniel Ruiz and Baron Odam also provided innings in relief.
The Bean Ballers showed flashes of strong offense and aggressive baserunning throughout the night and will look to build off the positives as the inaugural season continues. ILSportsWire will be there tomorrow as Decatur looks to bounce back against the Terre Haute Rex.