“ONE MORE OUT, ONE MORE OUT”

These were the exact words that rang out across Kokomo Municipal Stadium moments before the Jackrabbits sealed their second home win of the season. In the same two-out, bases-loaded at-bat, chants quickly shifted from “One more out” to “One more strike” as Madison’s Jake Munroe sent an 0-2 pitch directly to Lukas Farris in right field, snapping Kokomo’s grueling nine-game losing streak.

The energy at KMS was lively on Sunday afternoon as the Jackrabbits hosted live music before the first pitch, bringing in Kokomo’s largest crowd of the season. The live music seemed to strike a chord with the Jackrabbit faithful, as Kokomo’s offense immediately blasted a seven-run first inning.

In that first inning, the Jackrabbits fed off the crowd’s energy and batted through the order, ending Madison’s starting pitcher’s day after recording just two outs. Kokomo totaled five hits, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch, with leadoff man Luke Matthews recording two hits of his own in the first.

Kokomo’s JJ Dutton opened up the scoring, driving an RBI single to left, scoring Matthews from third. Two at-bats later, Aidan Mcaskie walked in the second run. A flurry of RBI singles and an RBI double from Jake Lambdin followed. Luke Matthews then singled to right, plating Jake Lambdin from third to make it 7-0.

With the Jackrabbits’ offense dialed in, Kokomo’s starter Payton Graham did not give the Mallards any leeway. Graham was more than just fantastic on Sunday; he was undeniably elite.

Graham’s velocity is extraordinary, with his fastball sitting at a consistent 97 miles per hour, his slider topping out at 90 miles per hour, and his curveball at 84 miles per hour, all while commanding every bit of it. Graham went six innings, allowing one run, striking out seven, and walking just one, earning the win.

The formula of jumping out in front of the opponent while limiting walks and free passes is something Kokomo has found only a few times this year. But sometimes all it takes is a taste of putting it all together for the season to begin to move in the right direction.

Leading 8-1 entering the fifth, the Jackrabbits added five more runs. Kokomo capitalized on inconsistent pitching, something the Jackrabbits have been on the opposite side of plenty. Kokomo drew three walks and a hit-by-pitch in the fifth, allowing the lead to grow to 13-1.

In total, Kokomo outhit Madison 11-8, with the pitching staff walking just three batters compared to Madison’s six on Sunday.

Despite a five-run ninth inning and a Shai Robinson grand slam, the Jackrabbits defeated the Mallards 13-6 on Sunday. After snapping a nine-game losing streak, the Jackrabbits improved to 4-21 and can feel what it’s like to be back in the win column.

The Jackrabbits will finish the two-game series against the Madison Mallards on Monday, June 24th, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium, with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch.