The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes started off their season with a valiant effort, however it was not enough as the ‘Shoes fell to the host Alton River Dragons on Opening Day of the 2022 Prospect League Season by a 7-6 score.

Springfield got on the scoreboard first in the opening inning with Jake Curtis and Jayden Myren crossing the plate, giving the team from the Capital City an early 2-0 lead. Myren added to his two-hit performance with a two-RBI double in the next inning, scoring Curtis and Joe Kolbeck.

With the ‘Shoes facing a two-run deficit in the eighth inning, the Lucky Horseshoes loaded the bases and after a Nate Martinez fielder’s choice and Alex Wade sacrifice fly, Springfield evened up the score at six.

Alton answered immediately with a run of their own in the home half of the eighth.

In the game’s final inning, Springfield managed to get a runner into scoring position, however a long fly out off the bat of Dylan Nevar ended the game.

Cooper Combs and Jayden Myren each reached base three times and five different ‘Shoes recorded an RBI.

On the mound, Springfield native Drew Detmers tossed the first three innings, giving up three earned runs before handing the ball over to Bryant Byrd who threw three innings of his own. Drew Evans was the anchor out of the pen, not allowing a hit in his two innings on the mound.

The ‘Shoes are back at it on Thursday night with another road matchup across state lines against the O’Fallon Hoots. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM.