Bolts 4 Bums 0
TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Jake Fisher threw the second complete game shutout of his career as the ThunderBolts snapped a five-game losing streak with a 4-0 win over the Traverse City Beach Bums at Wuerfel Park Wednesday night.
The ThunderBolts (35-39) scored all of their runs in the fourth inning as Coco Johnson hit a leadoff double and Tim Zier singled him in. Corey Bass walked and Charley Thurber singled to load the base before Ransom LaLonde hit into a fielder’s choice to score Zier and make it 2-0. Bass would score on a wild pitch and LaLonde, who moved to third on an error, came home on a Johnny Eierman grounder to third. The throw came home but Gaby Juarbe could not hold on and LaLonde slid in safely for a 4-0 lead.
Traverse City (31-42) had their best scoring chances early. They stranded five men on base in the first three innings. They also had a man thrown out at the plate when Christian Santisteban tried unsuccessfully to score on an infield single.
Fisher took over after the third, not allowing more than one baserunner in any inning the rest of the way.
The Bolts had a good opportunity to extend their lead when they put runners at second and third in the seventh thanks to singles from Blair Beck and Taylor Smart. Rob Blanc pitched out of the jam.
As it turned out, Fisher (9-4) did not need the extra support. He retired ten of the last 11 men he faced and tied his season-high with nine strikeouts. With the win, Fisher snapped the ThunderBolts’ five-game losing streak and moved into sole possession of the Frontier League wins lead with nine.
Michael Shreves (2-7) took the loss, departing after the four-run fourth.
The ThunderBolts and Beach Bums will play their rubber match on Thursday. Tyler Murphy (2-4, 4.72) will start game three for the Bolts. Traverse City will start Augie Gallardo (Pro Debut). First pitch from Wuerfel Park is scheduled for 6:05 and the broadcast can be heard through wcthunderbolts.com.
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