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BOX SCORE

CRESTWOOD, IL – The Gateway Grizzlies posted eight runs on nine hits in the third inning and delivered the ThunderBolts a 12-0 defeat in the opener of a three-game series at Ozinga Field Tuesday night.

Neither team had a hit over the first two innings but Gateway (43-48) turned their offense up in the third.  Their first six batters reached on hits, including an RBI triple for Kevin Krause and an RBI single for former ThunderBolt Zach Racusin. The big blow, though, came from Peter Zimmerman, who launched a two-run homer.

After Jack Alkire recorded an out, three more base hits were recorded by the Grizzlies. Andrew Penner capped the rally with a two-run single that made it 8-0.

The ThunderBolts (32-58), meanwhile, did not get a hit over the first four innings. Their first two safeties were both infield singles and they finished with only three hits for the game, the final of which was a Brynn Martinez double in the eighth.

Gateway continued to add to their lead, scoring two runs in the fifth as Krause hit an RBI double. A defensive miscue in the top of the eighth inning led to the final two Gateway runs scoring.

Manuel Rodriguez (1-2) pitched a complete game for Gateway and earned his first win of the year. Alkire (1-7) lasted three innings, allowing eight runs, and took the loss.

The ThunderBolts continue their final home series of the year against the Grizzlies on Wednesday night. It is SecureOne Security Services Military Appreciation Night and Senior Night. All veterans, active military members and seniors can get a free ticket at the box office. Austin Marozas (0-0, 0.90) will be making his first start of the year after six relief appearances. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 and the broadcast can be found through wcthunderbolts.com.