Daniel Cropper
CRESTWOOD, IL – Daniel Cropper threw his first complete game of the season, allowing just six hits as he led the ThunderBolts to a 6-1 win over the Evansville Otters at Standard Bank Stadium Wednesday afternoon.
After two hitless innings worked by Cropper, the Otters started the scoring in the third. A bunt single by Cory Urquhart started a string of three straight his that led to a run. Josh Allen had the RBI.
The ThunderBolts were quick to respond, scoring four times in the bottom of the third. With two outs, Mike Torres began the rally with a walk. Kyle Robinson doubled him in. After Robinson stole third, Ryan McIntyre walked and Ryan Soares legged out an infield single to make it 2-1. Evan Button and Max White followed with back-to-back run-scoring base hits.
The Bolts added to their lead in the fifth. McIntyre doubled and scored on a Soares single. Soares would cross the plate later in the inning on a White sacrifice fly.
Cropper remained in control for the ThunderBolts on the mound. He did not allow a runner past first base after the third inning and threw four perfect frames in total. All six Otters hits were singles.
Cropper (4-6) walked one and struck out four in the team’s first nine-inning complete game this year. Blake Monar (1-3) took the loss, allowing all six runs in his five innings.
The ThunderBolts will welcome the Joliet Slammers to town for the first of a three-game series on Thursday. Jake Fisher (3-6, 4.52) is expected to start for the Bolts and Joliet will throw Kody McFarland (2-2, 4.41) in a rematch of Saturday night’s 4-1 Windy City win. It is a Wrestling Thursday at Standard Bank Stadium and WWE Hall of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts will be in attendance. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 and fans not in attendance can hear the radio broadcast on meridix.com.
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