Gillen's two homers puts Hot Rods ahead of Emperors

Left fielder's big game leads Bowling Green to 7-6 victory

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:06am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the motion and action of a baseball game, with players and the field reduced to overlapping angular shapes.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy of a crucial late-season baseball matchup between two Midwest League rivals.Bowling Green Today

The Bowling Green Hot Rods defeated the Rome Emperors 7-6 on Saturday, with left fielder Theo Gillen hitting two home runs to power the Hot Rods to victory.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Hot Rods in contention in the competitive Midwest League, as they look to make a playoff push in the second half of the season.

The details

Gillen's two home runs, his 8th and 9th of the season, gave the Hot Rods a lead they would not relinquish. The Hot Rods' bullpen held on in the late innings to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Theo Gillen

The Hot Rods' left fielder, who hit two home runs to lead his team to victory.

Tony Santa Maria

The Hot Rods' third baseman, who made a key defensive play to help preserve the win.

Logan Braunschweig

The Emperors' right fielder, who was retired by Santa Maria's defensive play.

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What they’re saying

“Theo really came up big for us today. Those two homers were huge in getting us the win.”

— Hot Rods Manager

What’s next

The Hot Rods will look to build on this win as they continue their series against the Emperors on Sunday.

The takeaway

Gillen's power display was the difference-maker, as the Hot Rods held off a late rally by the Emperors to secure an important victory in their push for a playoff spot.