08/06/2008 9:29 PM
CRESTWOOD -- For the second game in a row, the WIndy City ThunderBolts (39-31) jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the first two innings as they beat the Midwest Sliders (20-49) 12-2 at Standard Bank Stadium on Wednesday night in front of 1,159 fans.
All but one WIndy City starter tallied a hit in the victory and five 'Bolts recorded two hits. Phil Hawke was the offensive star going 2 for 4 with four RBI, collecting them all in the first two innings with a pair of two-run singles. Windy City blew the game open with a six-run second inning. Eleven men batted for the ThunderBolts in the outburst as they collected five hits to put up the six spot, and knocked out starter Mark Suchowiecki (2-7). The 'Bolts added four more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to make the score 12-0.
The top four hitters in the WIndy City lineup went a combined 8 for 17 with 8 runs driven in. At the bottom of the order, Mike Sullivan went 2 for 3 with an RBI. Wes Long extended his hitting streak to ten games going 1 for 5 in the blowout victory.
New addition Mark McBratney, who was signed just hours before the game, pinch hit for Justin Tellam in the fourth and walked in his first plate appearance. In the fifth, he would get his first hit in a Windy City uniform as he drove in two runs.
Ted Ratliff (2-1) went a career-high 8.0 innings, giving up two runs on five hits and struck out two. It was his second career win as the 'Bolts gave him all the run support he would need.
The 'Botls go for the sweep on Thursday night at Standard Bank Stadium as they host the Midwest Sliders for a final time. It'll be the final game of the nine-game home stand and it will be a Bud Light Thirsty Thursday as all 12oz. domestic drafts and fountain sodas will be just $1. Also, the first 1,000 fans over 21 through the gates will receive a ThunderBolts pint glass courtesy of Bud Light. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. for the 7:05 game. The matchup will be LHP Kyle Kearcher (5-4, 3.30) for Midwest against RHP Ross Stout (7-3, 3.22) for Windy City.
