Bolts 8 Freedom 6
CRESTWOOD, IL – The ThunderBolts came back from five runs down to end their six-game losing streak with an 8-6 victory over the Florence Freedom at Standard Bank Stadium Saturday night.
The ThunderBolts (15-20) had some early trouble defensively, committing four errors in the first four innings. In the first, the Freedom (14-23) scored their first run when Daniel Fraga walked, stole second and crossed the plate on a groundball that was mishandled.
Florence scored four times in the third following a two-out error. Andrew Godbold, Collins Cutthrell, Sam Eberle and Ozzy Gonzalez picked up consecutive RBI hits to make it 5-0.
The ThunderBolts responded with three runs in the fourth. Max White hit a two-run double and Ransom LaLonde knocked him in on a single.
After Florence extended their lead to 6-3, the Bolts bats came out again in the seventh. Coco Johnson doubled and Mike Torres singled him in. After a Jonathan Garcia single, Austin Gallagher doubled home two runs to tie the score. Gallagher scored when Jacob Tanis singled to give the ThunderBolts a 7-6 lead. LaLonde’s first career home run the following inning made it 8-6.
Florence put the tying run in scoring position with two outs in the ninth following two hits before Eberle hit a blooper to right field. White came in from right and made a diving catch to secure the Windy City victory.
Cameron Giannini (2-0) allowed only one run in 4.1 innings of stellar relief to earn the win while Pete Levitt (0-2) allowed two runs out of the Freedom bullpen, taking the loss. James Jones pitched the ninth for his fifth save.
The ThunderBolts will conclude their homestand with a doubleheader on Sunday. Travis Tingle (2-4, 2.64) and Jake Fisher (1-3, 5.83) will start for the Bolts against Florence’s Cody Gray (0-0, 6.75) and Tony Vocca (1-0, 2.05). It is Standard Bank Family Day and fans will be invited to play catch on the field after the game. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 and the broadcast can be heard on WXAV 88.3 FM and wxav.com.
Box Score