Miners 8 Bolts 3
CRESTWOOD, IL – The Southern Illinois Miners (14-12) scored eight unanswered runs to guarantee a series win against the Windy City ThunderBolts (9-18) Saturday night at Standard Bank Stadium.
The ThunderBolts were able to score the first runs of the ball game putting up a pair of runs in the first inning. With two outs, Andrew Brauer brought Nate Pittman and Ryan Soares in with a single. Windy City wouldn’t score again until the 9th inning.
Southern Illinois quickly tied it manufacturing two runs in the 2nd inning. Ken Gregory and Carlos Colmenares led off the inning with consecutive singles and Mario Mercedes reached on an error to load the bases. Back-to-back fielder’s choices brought home Gregory and Colmenares to knot up the score.
The Miners’ would take the lead three innings later plating a run in the 5th. Tyler Hall’s groundout brought home Lester who led off the frame with a double. The 6th inning is when the flood gates would open. Southern Illinois threatened quickly as the first two batters reached on a single and a walk. Gregory then doubled home Carlos Mendez making it 4-2 Miners. A sacrifice fly and three hits later, Southern Illinois would take an 8-2 lead.
Windy City managed one more run in the last inning as Michael Carden walked in a run before ending the game with a final score of 8-3
Travis Bradshaw (1-0) picked up the win in 5.2 innings allowing two runs on five hits. Matt Wickswat (2-3) earned the loss in game two of the series.
Windy City and Daniel Cropper (2-1, 6.62) will look to avoid the sweep Sunday night against the Miners’ Brian Oliver (2-2, 3.45). First pitch at Standard Bank Stadium is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Fans that can’t make it to the game can listen to the broadcast on 88.3 FM WXAV and wxav.com
Box Score