Windy City put the tying run on base in a dramatic ninth inning near comeback, but it was too little too late as the Southern Illinois Miners took game one of a three game series, 4-2.
Windy City collected three singles against Brett Scarpetta in the first inning but failed to score and they never got another good chance against the Miners’ starter. Scarpetta lasted eight shutout innings scattering seven hits and striking out eight.
In the bottom of the first, Jereme Milons led off with a home run, his fifth of the season giving the Miners a 1-0 lead. In the third, Southern added to their advantage when Nate Hall knocked in Brad Netzel with a single and Stephen head’s sacrifice fly scored Milons. It became 4-0 in the fifth on another Milons run. Nate Hall doubled him in after a single, both hits coming with two outs.
Matt Jernstad’s line was very similar to Scarpetta’s except for the runs column. He went seven innings allowing four earned runs and seven hits while striking out eight.
The Miners turned to the bullpen to complete the shutout in the ninth, but JT Restko hit a homer leading off against Mike Damchuk. After Ryne White reached on an error, Damchuk was pulled for Brent DeFoor. The ThunderBolts continued their rally when Donnie Ecker and Mike Torres each reached to load the bases, but Brad Netzel turned a great diving double play on a Dan Jordan hit that effectively ended the Bolts scoring threat. Windy City put two runs on the board in the ninth, but it was not enough as the Miners held on for the 4-2 victory.
Brett Scarpetta got the win (2-2) while Jernstad took the loss (3-2) Windy City and Southern Illinois go again tomorrow with a pair of right handers on the mound. Ryan Quigley (2-1) will get the call against the Miners’ Dustin Brader (2-0). The game begins at 7:05 and will be broadcast on WXAV 88.3 fm.
