April 3, 2024 - Hornets win series over Wolves, but lose Calloway to a broken leg
4/3/2024by Skip Remington
D. Callaway broke leg in game 3; to miss 36 games
D. Callaway broke leg in game 3; to miss 36 games

 

Game 1: Wolves Dominate the Hornets with Explosive Offense (Wolves win 13-2)

 

The Minneapolis Wolves came out swinging in the series opener against the St. Louis Hornets, securing a decisive 13-2 victory. The Wolves set the tone early, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looking back.

 

The Wolves' offense was relentless, with Phil Kane leading the charge by hitting two home runs and driving in five runs. Kelly Dickinson also contributed significantly, going 4-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. The Wolves added three runs in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings, with an additional run in the eighth, showcasing their offensive depth.

 

On the mound, Ahni Amador was stellar, pitching a complete game and allowing only two runs on nine hits while striking out seven. The Hornets managed to score a run in the seventh and another in the ninth, but it was too little too late.

 

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

  • 1st Inning: Wolves score three runs, including a sacrifice fly by Ryan Lee.
  • 4th Inning: Phil Kane hits a three-run homer.
  • 6th Inning: Kelly Dickinson hits a three-run homer.
  • 7th Inning: Phil Kane hits his second home run of the game, a two-run shot.
  • 8th Inning: Wolves add another run on a sacrifice fly.

Game 2: Hornets Edge Wolves in Extra-Inning Thriller (Horneys win 3-2)

 

In a dramatic turnaround, the St. Louis Hornets eked out a 3-2 victory over the Minneapolis Wolves in ten innings. The Hornets took an early lead with Daniel Callaway's two-run homer in the second inning.

The Wolves responded late, scoring a run in the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Darnell Stokes and tying the game in the ninth with a clutch single by Tom Williams. However, the Hornets reclaimed the lead in the tenth inning with a single by Ivan Castillo, which proved to be the game-winner.

 

Dennis Joseph pitched five scoreless innings for the Hornets, and Keith Samuels closed out the game in the tenth to secure the win.

 

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

  • 2nd Inning: Daniel Callaway hits a two-run homer.
  • 8th Inning: Wolves score on a sacrifice fly by Darnell Stokes.
  • 9th Inning: Wolves tie the game with a single by Tom Williams.
  • 10th Inning: Ivan Castillo singles, scoring Octavio Medina for the game-winning run.

 

Game 3: Hornets Rally for Series Win Despite Callaway's Injury (Hornets win 4-3)

 

The series finale between the St. Louis Hornets and the Minneapolis Wolves was a nail-biter, with the Hornets securing a 4-3 victory. The game was overshadowed by a severe injury to Daniel Callaway, who collided with left fielder Orlando Rosas in the second inning and broke his leg, requiring a stretcher to leave the field.

 

The Wolves initially took a 2-0 lead in the second inning, but the Hornets tied it up in the fourth with a two-run homer by Ivan Castillo. The Wolves regained the lead in the fifth with a sacrifice fly, but the Hornets took advantage of a Wolves' error in the sixth to score two runs, sealing the game.

 

Edwin Fitzgerald earned the win for the Hornets, pitching three scoreless innings in relief, while Jesus Molina started the game, allowing three runs over six innings.

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

  • 2nd Inning: Wolves score two runs, including a sacrifice fly by Tom Williams and a double by Greg Parsons.
  • 4th Inning: Ivan Castillo hits a two-run homer.
  • 5th Inning: Wolves take the lead with a sacrifice fly by Zach Morall.
  • 6th Inning: Hornets score two runs on an error by center fielder Greg Parsons and a double by Bill O'Sheehan.

 

Injury Update: Daniel Callaway's injury is severe, with X-rays revealing a serious fracture of the femur. He is expected to miss 36 games. In response, the Hornets' GM signed free-agent Cameron Dudley to fill the void in center field during Callaway's recovery.

 

Series MVP: Ivan Castillo Ivan Castillo was instrumental in the Hornets' series victory, hitting .400 with a crucial home run in Game 3 and delivering the game-winning hit in Game 2. His timely hitting and overall performance earned him the series MVP honors.

 

Conclusion: The St. Louis Hornets demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from a blowout loss in Game 1 to win the next two games and take the series. Despite the unfortunate injury to Daniel Callaway, the team rallied together, showcasing their depth and determination. With new addition Cameron Dudley set to join the lineup, the Hornets will look to maintain their momentum moving forward.