wcthunderbolts.com

CRESTWOOD, IL – The Southern Illinois Miners (14-12) scored eight unanswered runs to guarantee a series win against the Windy City ThunderBolts (9-18) Saturday night at Standard Bank Stadium.

The ThunderBolts were able to score the first runs of the ball game putting up a pair of runs in the first inning.  With two outs, Andrew Brauer brought Nate Pittman and Ryan Soares in with a single.  Windy City wouldn’t score again until the 9^th inning.

Southern Illinois quickly tied it manufacturing two runs in the 2^nd inning.  Ken Gregory and Carlos Colmenares led off the inning with consecutive singles and Mario Mercedes reached on an error to load the bases.  Back-to-back fielder’s choices brought home Gregory and Colmenares to knot up the score. 

The Miners’ would take the lead three innings later plating a run in the 5^th.  Tyler Hall’s groundout brought home Lester who led off the frame with a double.  The 6^th inning is when the flood gates would open.  Southern Illinois threatened quickly as the first two batters reached on a single and a walk.  Gregory then doubled home Carlos Mendez making it 4-2 Miners.  A sacrifice fly and three hits later, Southern Illinois would take an 8-2 lead. 

Windy City managed one more run in the last inning as Michael Carden walked in a run before ending the game with a final score of 8-3

Travis Bradshaw (1-0) picked up the win in 5.2 innings allowing two runs on five hits. Matt Wickswat (2-3) earned the loss in game two of the series.

Windy City and Daniel Cropper (2-1, 6.62) will look to avoid the sweep Sunday night against the Miners’ Brian Oliver (2-2, 3.45).  First pitch at Standard Bank Stadium is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.  Fans that can’t make it to the game can listen to the broadcast on 88.3 FM WXAV and wxav.com

Box Score