Max White
CRESTWOOD, IL – Max White had three hits including the game-winner in the eighth inning as the ThunderBolts ended a four-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Rockford Aviators at Standard bank Stadium Saturday night.
The Aviators (15-5) took the early lead with a run in the second and two in the third. Jaron Shepherd’s RBI single made it 1-0 and they had four straight hits to net their next two runs. Michael Hur singled, Brian Bistagne doubled and Tanner Witt picked up an RBI on his base hit. Dusty Robinson doubled home Bistagne to make it 3-0. The Aviators still had runners at second and third with no outs, but Danny Jimenez pitched out of the jam and did not allow another run.
The ThunderBolts (6-13) began their comeback with a run in the third. Coco Johnson singled and Austin Gallagher singled him in.
The score was 3-2 into the seventh when Rockford loaded the bases with one out. Cameron Giannini struck out Robinson and Devon Rodriguez to end the threat.
In the bottom of the seventh, White doubled and later crossed the plate on a Johnson fielder’s choice to move within one. The eighth started with a Jonathan Garcia single. Jacob Tanis followed with a double, putting runners at second and third with one out. Marquis Riley was walked intentionally in front of White, who delivered a two-run single, giving the ThunderBolts a 4-3 win.
Giannini (1-0) threw 1.2 scoreless innings for his first pro win and Matt Frahm (0-1) allowed two runs for the loss. James Jones worked a perfect ninth for his second save.
The rubber match between the ThunderBolts and Aviators will be Sunday afternoon. Travis Tingle (0-4, 2.36) will make his fifth start for the Bolts against Rockford’s Nick Grim (0-1, 4.20). Standard Bank Family Day means that all fans will be allowed to play catch on the field after the game. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 and fans not in attendance can hear the broadcast on WXAV 88.3 FM and wxav.com.
Box Score
