Aita deals five shutout frames for series-opening win

BELOIT, WI – Josh Kross and Won-Bin Cho homered to back up a shutout start from Blake Aita to down Beloit 7-1 in the series opener at ABC Supply Stadium on Tuesday night. The victory snaps a three-game losing streak for the Chiefs.

Peoria made hay in the top of the first. Tai Peete opened the action with a walk, moved to third on a Josh Kross single, then scored on a balk by Beloit starter Carson Laws. Cade McGee followed by socking a two-out RBI double into the left-field corner to open a 3-0 advantage.

Laws settled in for the Sky Carp, as the righty didn’t allow another run or hit in a four-inning outing, striking out seven.

However, he was outdueled by Aita. The righty acquired in the Willson Contreras trade in December turned in his best start as a Chief, dealing five shutout innings, striking out four without issuing a walk to earn his first victory.

Kross boosted Aita’s lead to 4-0 with a solo home run to right in the fifth inning.

The Sky Carp’s lone run came off the bat of Connor Caskenette, a solo homer to right field off Dominic Freeberger.

Jalin Flores scored on a wild pitch in the seventh inning to get the run back. Cho rounded out the scoring in the eighth, belting a homer for a third consecutive game; a two-run shot to boost the lead to 7-1.

Patrick Galle delivered two shutout innings and D.J. Carpenter finished the contest with a 1-2-3 ninth to wrap a strong night for the pitching staff.

The series continues on Wednesday morning, with first pitch set for 11:05 am. Yhoiker Fajardo takes the baseball for the Chiefs. Fans can tune into the hometown call for free online at PeoriaChiefs.com.