Bums 2 Bolts 0
TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Markus Solbach allowed only two hits in seven innings pitched, but the ThunderBolts had just one hit of their own in a 2-0 loss to the Traverse City Beach Bums at Wuerfel Park Saturday night.
The ThunderBolts trailed early as Traverse City scored two runs in the first inning without getting a hit. Rob Benedict led off by reaching second on an error and Jeff DeBlieux received two bases on an error next, allowing Benedict to score. DeBlieux would later cross the plate on a Yazy Arbelo groundout.
The ThunderBolts did not collect their first hit until there were two outs in the third. Nick Latta singled to center but was stranded on first. The Bolts would not get another hit in the game.
Traverse City had a chance to extend their lead in the fifth inning. Drew Rossi picked up the Bums’ first hit, a leadoff single and he moved to third when another ThunderBolts error allowed Scott Woodward to reach second base. With runners at second and third and no outs, Solbach worked out of the jam with two groundouts and a strikeout.
The Bolts’ best scoring chance came in the sixth. With two outs, Evan Button and Michael Torres walked and moved into scoring position on a balk. Casey Delgado got Ryan Soares to fly out, though, to end the threat.
Solbach walked three and struck out five in his seven two-hit innings and did not allow an earned run. He took the loss to fall to 1-1. Delgado (2-0) walked two and struck out eight in his win. D.J. Johnson walked one but pitched a scoreless ninth for his third save.
The Thunderbolts will try to avoid getting swept on Sunday night at Wuerfel Park. Travis Tingle (1-0, 0.00) will make his second start for the Bolts against Tanner Tripp (0-0, 1.50) of the Beach Bums. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. CDT. The broadcast can be heard on WXAV 88.3 FM and wxav.com.
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