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CRESTWOOD, IL – Backed by a strong start from right-hander Scot Hoffman, the Joliet Slammers defeated the Windy City ThunderBolts 7-1 at Standard Bank Stadium Wednesday night.

The Slammers (39-46) got on the board first against Will Landsheft in the third. A one out double and an RBI fielder’s choice scored Melvin Rodriguez to put the visitors ahead early.

Keenyn Walker’s single to lead off the fourth inning was the first baserunner allowed by Joliet starter Hoffman. Coco Johnson followed with a single, but Hoffman was able to strike out the side to escape the threat without allowing a run.

Landsheft battled through 5.1 innings, but was pulled in the sixth after he allowed three of the first four batters to reach. Joliet added two more to their lead in the frame to go up 3-0.

The Bolts showed life in the seventh inning. With two outs, Tim Zier doubled while Corey Bass singled to give Andrew Dundon an RBI opportunity. Dundon reached base on an infield single, which scored Zier on the play, to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Windy City threatened again in the eighth inning, as Johnson singled and Kyle Wood walked. Slammers reliever Brian McKenna was tasked with retiring Larry Balkwill, who eventually struck out to end the inning.

Joliet was able to pull away thanks to four combined runs scored in the eighth and ninth innings to go ahead and defeat the ThunderBolts 7-1.

Hoffman (1-1) got the win after allowing one run on five hits over seven innings while striking out nine and walking none. Landsheft (6-9) took the loss after the Slammers notched seven hits and three runs over 5.1 innings.

The ThunderBolts look to left-handed pitcher Jake Fisher (8-7, 3.01) Thursday for a chance to split a four-game series. Joliet will send right-hander Andrew Zellner (1-2, 2.31) as Fisher’s competition. The series finale will also be the finale of 2017’s “White Castle Wrestling Thursday’s” at Standard Bank Stadium. Enjoy $1.50 beer and a postgame wrestling show from Pro Wrestling Blitz. Thursday’s finale is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and the broadcast can be heard on WXAV 88.3 FM and wxav.com. 

Box Score