Gateway comes back to deal ThunderBolts series loss
Share
SAUGET, IL – The Gateway Grizzlies scored the final seven runs to beat the ThunderBolts 8-5 in the rubber match at Arsenal BG Ballpark Thursday night.
Gateway (33-35) held a 1-0 lead after one inning and carried it into the fourth, when the Bolts (33-35) struck back. That’s when Michael Sandle hit a leadoff triple. He scored on a wild pitch.
In the fifth, the ThunderBolts took over, sending eight men to the plate. Tony Livermore reached on an error and scored on a Liam McArthur double that put the Bolts ahead 2-1. Sandle followed with a walk and Justin Fogel doubled in a run. Jared Beebe came up next with a triple off the center field wall, pushing the lead to 5-1.
Gateway got one back in the bottom of the inning on a Dale Thomas RBI single, his second RBI of the game.
It was still 5-2 in the seventh when Brennan Orf hit a leadoff single and Darryl Lee hit a two-run homer, cutting the deficit to one. With two outs in the inning, Bryson Horne drew a walk and Jose Alvarez hit a two-run shot, giving the Grizzlies their first lead since 1-0.
Gateway put a cap on their lead with two more home runs in the eighth, solo shots for Victor Castillo and Lee, who hit his second in as many innings.
Claudio Galva (4-2) pitched 1.2 scoreless innings of relief, earning the win and Justin Lovell (3-4) took the loss after allowing the game-winning homer in the seventh. Matt Hickey pitched a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
The ThunderBolts return home to begin a four-game series against the Evansville Otters on Friday night. Tyler Biddinger (2-1, 4.85) makes the start for the ThunderBolts on Beggars Pizza Fireworks Friday at Ozinga Field. First pitch is set for 6:35 and broadcast details can be found at wcthunderbolts.com.
