JOLIET, IL – After taking an early deficit, the ThunderBolts scored eight unanswered runs to defeat the Joliet Slammers 8-5 at Silver Cross Field Monday night.
The Slammers jumped on Windy City starter Dustin Williams early, scoring three runs in the first inning, all with two outs. Erik Lis hit a two-run homer and Eric McGee picked up an RBI double. Both hits were aided by walks.
Joliet scored one more in the second on an Abel Nieves bases loaded fielder’s choice.
Windy City began their comeback in the fourth. Chris Wade, playing in his first game in a week led off with a double. With two outs, Ryan Cuneo singled him home and put the Bolts on the board.
Brandon Decker’s solo home run in the fifth made it 4-2 and the big rally began in the sixth. Wade walked and Bob Glover singled and they stood and third and second with two outs when C.J. Gillman singled them both in to tie the score at four. Decker followed with the go-ahead base hit after Gillman had moved up on a wild pitch and a balk.
The ThunderBolts added some insurance with a three-run sixth. Cuneo picked up another RBI single, driving in Mike Torres and Wade, who had singled scored on a wild pitch. Decker brought home the final run on a sacrifice fly.
The Slammers made it interesting in the ninth with three straight hits, but Willy Kesler, who had signed earlier in the day, got the final three outs to close out the win.
Williams (9-4) went seven innings and did not allow a run after the second inning, earning the win. Justin Albert (2-3) gave up three runs in relief for the loss.
The Bolts’ six-game roadtrip continues Tuesday as they make the trip to Traverse City to take on the Beach Bums. Game one will feature Blayne Weller (4-1, 3.82) for Windy City going against Traverse City’s Jacob Clem (4-4, 2.84). The ballgame is slated to begin at 6:05 CDT at Wuerfel Park and can be heard on sportsjuice.com.
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