Rowan powers REX to back-to-back wins

Last night, the REX took on the Champion City Kings after a late comeback victory against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp the night before. The Kings were first half champions of the Ohio River Valley Division, but have had a slow start to the second half of the season. Both teams were looking to turn the season around.

The Kings took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a fielder's choice. The REX bats came alive in the top of the fourth. Designated hitter Canton Terry earned a bases loaded walk to tie the game at one. Left fielder Sammy Rowan hit a two RBI double that scored center fielder Tyler Nelson and Right fielder Jack Leverenz. Lastly, second baseman Alec Atkinson hit a sacrifice fly that scored Terry and gave the REX a 4-1 lead.

Left fielder Sammy Rowan swinging away earlier this season. Photo Courtesy of Brian Williams.

Champion City responded in the bottom of the fifth when they crossed home plate six times to take a 7-4 lead. In the top of the seventh the REX got one back when the Kings' pitcher committed an error allowing Nelson to score. In the top of the eighth, the REX were able to tie it up at seven. Shortstop Kaleb Hannahs singled allowing Rowan to score and catcher Dylan Janke earned a bases loaded walk.

In the top of the ninth it would be Rowan again who helped lead the REX to victory. With Terry on base, Rowan sent a two run bomb over the wall to give the REX a 9-7 lead. Later in the inning Atkinson would score on a hit by Hannahs and then Hannahs would cross home plate on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Alec Brunson. The REX would hold on to win by a score of 11-7. Wabash Valley's Own improved their record to 3-5 in the second half of the season.

Rowan is now 6-9 in the batter's box over the last two games. This includes a double and two home runs. He has six RBI and has crossed home plate three times himself. Assistant Coach Jacob Harden had this to say about Rowan's recent performance, "Sammy has been working his tail off. He's been showing up hours before batting practice getting work in on his own. He has made some key adjustments that have propelled him over the past games. Right now, Sammy is the heartbeat of our team"

Assistant Coach Jacob Harden and Rowan celebrating at third base. Photo Courtesy of Brian Williams.

The REX are back in action tonight at 5:30 PM EST for a doubleheader against the Kings at Bob Warn Field.

GO REX!