08/17/2008 5:24 PM
CRESTWOOD, Ill. -- Ross Stout cruised to a ninth consecutive victorious decision with seven shutout innings as the Windy City ThunderBolts (47-33) routed the Gateway Grizzlies (42-39), 9-1, in a Sunday afternoon rubber match before 1,139 fans at Standard Bank Stadium.
Stout (9-3) limited the Grizzlies to three base hits and three walks while striking out 10 in another of a growing line of dominating performances.
His teammates took care of the rest, supplying a balanced offensive performance that saw seven members of the starting lineup hit safely and score at lease one run. Centerfielder Mike Sullivan led the way with three hits in four at-bats while Wes Long, Scott Billak and Mark McBratney each picked up a pair of RBI.
Gateway starter Brandon Williams (7-4) lasted only four innings, surrendering five runs on eight hits to suffer the loss.
Williams was relieved by Shannon Sprouse to start the fifth inning, who was promptly greeted with a four-run outburst to put the game out of reach.
Left-hander Matt Jernstad made his ThunderBolts debut in the ninth, allowing Carter McQuigg's seventh home run of the season to end the shutout.
Windy City is off on Monday before taking the road to start a three-game roadtrip at Chillicothe on Tuesday.
