CRESTWOOD, IL – The last day of the race to the Central Division title provided a very festive atmosphere at Standard Bank Stadium. A loud contingent of 2624 fans came out in support of their Windy City ThunderBolts, who by first pitch had already clinched the Division title. Not missing a beat, the Bolts came out and pounded the Evansville Otters by a final count of 8-2.
"I'm thrilled that we were able to bring a winning team to Crestwood this season. A big 'thank you' needs to go out to our fans for supporting us this season. I hope our fans enjoy baseball in September," commented smiling ThunderBolts manager Andy Haines.
Evansville starter Jake Haggerty would last just an inning and two-thirds in the contest before leaving due to an unspecified injury. He allowed five runs on just four ThunderBolt hits. Although he struck out four, his defense committed three errors behind him. RBI singles were had by both Wes Long, Phillip Hawke and Scott Billak that gave the Bolts a 5-1 lead through two innings.
Windy City hurler Eric Fussell would need nothing more. He would throw five solid innings, allowing just one run on three hits. The win carries his record to 11-2 on the season. Danny Borne, Jordan Smolar and Mike Causey would all contribute in the relief effort.
The ThunderBolt offense would help the pitching staff out more, however. The Bolts would add two more runs to their total in the fourth inning and one more in the sixth. The Otters would score singles in the second and sixth, but would never hold a lead.
Earlier in the day, a Kalamazoo loss to Florence had clinched the division title for the ThunderBolts. Despite this fact, the last out recorded by set off the celebration for players, fans, and staff alike. The 62-26 ThunderBolts are also now just one win shy of tying the Frontier League record for wins in a season, set by Washington in 2005.
