CRESTWOOD, IL—Windy City managed to score more runs in Wednesday’s ballgame than it did in the entire past four games. The ThunderBolts (24-34) scored three runs in the 1st inning and held on for a 5-2 win over the Gateway Grizzlies (35-22) to avoid the sweep at Standard Bank Stadium.
The ‘Bolts pounced on Gateway starter Ethan McKinzie in the opening frame as Ryan Soares doubled home Mike Torres, for their first lead of the series. Chad Cregar then provided an RBI single to plate Soares and double the lead. Zach Aakhus later connected with a fly ball to right field deep enough to score Cregar.
Windy City would add one run in the 3rd and 4th innings. Kyle Robinson singled in Soares to make it 4-0 ThunderBolts, and Mike Torres provided a two-out single to score Andrew Brauer.
Dyllon Nuernberg provided another great performance on the mound allowing just one run on two hits through seven innings of work. Despite giving up six walks, the Grizzlies did not score a run until the 7th inning.
Gateway inched closer with a run in the eighth thanks to a Jet Butler double. It would not be enough though as Click, shut down the visiting team in the ninth.
Nuernberg (6-1) picked up the win while striking out nine Grizzlies. McKinzie (0-1) earned the loss. Michael Click recorded his 13th save.
Windy City next welcomes Evansville for the Otters first trip to Standard Bank Stadium. Daniel Cropper (6-3, 4.50) will start the series Thursday for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch. Fans that cannot make it to the Bud Light Thirsty Thursday can listen to the broadcast on wcthunderbolts.com.
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