ALTON - The Alton River Dragons will host the Zooperstars on Thursday, June 18, at Lloyd Hopkins Field in Alton, Illinois, when they face the Quincy Doggy Paddlers with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m., the team announced.
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Known for inflatable animal mascots, on-field antics, and interactive performances, the Zooperstars are returning as part of one of the River Dragons’ annual promotions. The traveling entertainment act has appeared at Major League Baseball, minor league baseball, hockey, basketball, and football events, according to the team.
“This is one of the most anticipated promotions we do every year,” River Dragons owner Steve Marso said. “The Zooperstars create an incredible experience for families and baseball fans, and it’s a no-brainer for us to bring them back each year.”
The River Dragons said fans can expect laughs, stunts, and crowd interaction throughout the evening.
The June 18 game comes as Alton prepares to face Quincy again after two losses to the Doggy Paddlers.
River Dragons Fall Twice To Quincy
The River Dragons lost 17-11 to Quincy in one game despite collecting 10 hits. Jake Ottensmeier led the offense with three doubles and one RBI. Ethan Wielt had three hits, his fourth three-hit game of the season, while Charlie Berry had two hits and two RBIs. Griffin Kelly and Ryan Kondrad recorded the team’s other hits.
Austin Rathgeb started on the mound and pitched four and one-third innings with three strikeouts. Keaton Favre finished the fifth inning and allowed an unearned run.
Dragons Lose 16-5 On Road
In another game against Quincy, the River Dragons lost 16-5 on the road. Alton scored five runs in one inning.
Ottensmeier singled to right field in the fifth, advancing Ryan Hartz to third and scoring Florent Riep and Landon Harwell. Charlie Renco later reached on a fielding error that scored Hartz. Kaedin Bond then doubled to right-center, scoring Renco and Ottensmeier, with Ottensmeier’s run listed as unearned.
The River Dragons come back to Alton next Thursday, the 18th to play Quincy again. Tickets for that game can be found here: https://tickets.altonbaseball.ticketsocket.com/event-details/river-dragons-vs-doggy-paddlers-618
