Challengers back to .500 after 9-1 win against Indians

James Sanders and Chris Palatinus combined on a two-hitter to put away the Lausanne Indians in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader to even their record at .500.

Six runs in the first inning off starter Evan Walls, and a dominating effort by Sanders over four innings was all the Challengers needed in a much needed two-win day.

Player coach Brian Hipps and Yonimiler Martinez both had two hits and two RBI's in an eight-hit offensive showing off Evans Walls in three innings.

Jon Walls relieved his brother to start the fourth inning, and allowed just two more walks the rest of the way.

But the Indians' offense was helpless against Sanders who threw four perfect innings before making way for Palatinus.

Palatinus retired the first four batters he faced before allowing the Indians' first hit, a single by Yves Rihs in the sixth inning.

In the seventh, the Indians scored their only run as Jay Casimiro came around after getting hit by a pitch, a single, a base-on-balls and Fidel Beijo's sac fly.

Hipps used all 16 players present for the game, with rookie Korey Kovac giving his debut as a defensive replacement for Yanik Probst in the top of the sixth inning.

Game notes
The Challengers won both games of a doubleheader for the first time since Opening Day on April 17 against the Zürich Barracudas. ...Tobias Siegrist lined out to shortstop in the second inning in his 1'000th at-bat in the NLA.