SAUGET, Ill. -- Justin Lilly's strong pitching and Michael Campbell's grand slam lifted the host Gateway Grizzlies (31-30) to an 8-1 victory over the Windy City ThunderBolts (31-29) on Sunday night at GCS Ballpark.
The loss snapped Windy City's four-game winning streak.
ThunderBolts catcher Justin Tellam homered for the second consecutive game in the losing cause, providing the sole extent of Windy City's offense.
Lilly (5-2) induced three double plays in the first four innings, scattering five hits and a walk in earning the victory. Joel Boeschen twirled the final two innings in scoreless fashion for Gateway.
'Bolts starter Ted Ratliff (0-1) allowed four runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings to suffer the loss.
Ratliff exited the contest in the bottom of the sixth with the Grizzlies leading 2-1 and runners on second and third. Reliever Kyle Zweber walked three consecutive batters to increase the score to 4-1 before forcing an inning-ending fielder's choice.
An inning later, two singles and a walk against Zweber reloaded the bases with one out. Jason Lowey entered the game from the bullpen only to serve up Campbell's ninth home run and second grand slam of the season to close out the scoring.
The two West Division foes play the middle affair of the three-game series on Monday night at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Ross Stout (6-3, 2.99) receives the start for Windy City opposite Gateway right-hander Derek Blacksher (8-3, 4.73).
