wcthunderbolts.com

CRESTWOOD, IL – Brady Muller pitched eight shutout innings as the ThunderBolts took game one of a three game series from the Gateway Grizzlies 5-0 at Standard Bank Stadium Friday night.

Muller and Gateway starter Dylan Craig matched each other zero for zero in the first three innings but the ThunderBolts (8-5) broke through in the fourth. Blair Beck walked and Ransom LaLonde hit a two-run homer, his first of the year, to put the Bolts ahead 2-0.

In the sixth inning, they added to the lead as Larry Balkwill hit a leadoff double and Andrew Dundon walked. After a Will Krug fielder’s choice, Keenyn Walker stepped up with an RBI single. Walker and Krug both scored on Coco Johnson’s base hit, giving the ThunderBolts a 5-0 lead.

Muller, meanwhile, was cruising, facing just one over the minimum through the first six innings. He gave up a walk and a single in both the seventh and eighth but pitched out of both jams. Only one hitter made it as far as third base in the game for Gateway (3-10) and none after the second inning.

Muller (2-1) allowed only four hits, all singles, in his eight innings and struck out six to pick up the win. Dylan Craig (0-2) took the loss for the Grizzlies. He lasted 5.2 innings and allowed four runs on four hits with five strikeouts and six walks.

The ThunderBolts continue their three-game series with the Grizzlies on Saturday night. Kyle Von Ruden (0-0, 2.31) will take the mound against Gateway’s Will Landsheft (0-0, 4.22). It is Beatles Night at Standard Bank Stadium featuring a pregame concert from Kaleidoscope Eyes starting at 4:30. For Memorial Day weekend, all active duty members and Veterans of the military receive a free ticket for them and a guest. First pitch from is scheduled for 6:05 and the game broadcast can be heard through wcthunderbolts.com.

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