05/18/2008 10:31 AM
ROCKFORD, Ill. -- The Windy City ThunderBolts held on for a 6-5 win over the Rockford River Hawks and rain halted a second exhibition game on Saturday at Loves Park.
Ín the first game, Philip Hawke's two-run first inning home run, a three-run fifth and a solo tally in the sixth staked the 'Bolts to a confident 6-0 lead. Starter Charles O'Neal helped the cause with four strong scoreless innings.
But the River Hawks struck late, scoring five runs off of the Windy City bullpen in the eighth inning, including three via bases-loaded walks. ThunderBolts closer Matt Petty recorded the last five outs to secure the win.
Rockford led the second game, 9-3, in the top of the fourth inning when rain prompted play to be called off.
The Windy City ThunderBolts will introduce their 2008 Opening Day roster on Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Blarney Stone Pub (on Cicero Avenue in Oak Forest).
The 2008 ThunderBolts regular season begins with a road series at Evansville on Wednesday; first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Righthander Ross Stout will make his ThunderBolts debut as the Opening Day starter.
