Joliet Slammers

SLAMMERS HANG ON FOR FIRST ROAD WIN OF YEAR

Aaron Morse — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:55:57 +0000

Joliet starter Corey Kimes holds Gateway to only two runs on five hits through seven innings…

(Sauget, IL) – Joliet starter Corey Kimes is the Slammers’ fifth starter, but after holding the Gateway Grizzlies to two runs on five hits, he pitched well enough to be an ace.

Kimes also struck out four batters, pitching into the eighth inning as Joliet (3-2) held onto a 3-2 victory over Gateway (3-2) for the first road victory of the year.

The offense also woke up just enough in game number two scoring three runs, after being shutout, 2-0 in the first game of this three game series. The Grizzlies would strike first, but the Slammers would respond and never look back.

In the bottom of the first with the bases loaded, right fielder Jet Butler hit a line drive that hit the field umpire, scoring Jonathan Johnson from third and refilling the bases after the dead ball. But Jon Myers followed by grounding into an inning ending double play.

Grant DeBruin and Goose Kallunki led off the top of the second with back-to-back singles. Tyler Goodro moved both runners over with a sacrifice. After Matthew Scruggs grounded out to third, Javan Williams delivered a two-out, RBI single, tying the game.

The game would remain tied until the sixth inning. Michael Wing and Kyle Maunus led off the inning with back-to-back singles and Seth Schwindenhammer drove in Wing on a RBI single and was thrown out at second trying to stretch the hit into a double. Grant DeBruin would hit a sacrifice fly to drive Maunus home to make it a 3-1 ballgame.

The Grizzlies would add one run in the bottom of the sixth but the combination of relievers Lucas Goodgion, Chase Doremus and Justin Erasmus would carry the Slammers to their first road win of the year.

Joliet goes for the series victory on Thursday night with Evan Anundsen (1-0) getting the rubber match start against Chris Enourato for Gateway.

First pitch is 7:05 p.m. and the pre game on AM 1340 WJOL is at 6:50 p.m.

Single game tickets, season tickets, loaded ticket packages and group outings for the 2013 season are available now by calling 815-722-2287. Click here to download the team’s complete 2013 schedule, click here for the full promotional schedule and click here to buy single game tickets. To stay up to date on the latest news, make sure to like the Slammers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

SLAMMERS SHUTOUT IN FIRST ROAD GAME OF YEAR

Aaron Morse — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:51 +0000

Joliet’s four errors prove fatal as Gateway scores all runs unearned…

Box Score

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers (2-2) fell to the Gateway Grizzlies (3-1) 2-0 at GCS Ballpark in the first road game of the 2013 season.

The Slammers were their own worst enemy Tuesday night as they committed four errors, as both of the runs the Grizzlies scored were unearned.

Gateway starter Tucker Jensen was stellar tonight, throwing seven innings, allowing only four hits and striking out nine. At the end of the game, the Slammers struck out a total of 12 times.

It was a pitchers’ duel through the first four innings as both Jensen and Slammers’ starter Jacob Sanchez kept both teams off the board. In the bottom of the fifth however, the Grizzlies chalked up the game’s first run.

Jon Myers led off the inning with a double. After Vladimir Frias grounded out to third, Antone DeJesus reached on an error by second baseman Nate Wilder, allowing Myers to score.

In the sixth, the Grizzlies added the game’s second and last run on a play that included two more Slammers errors. Jacob Sanchez committed an error on a throw to first and first baseman Goose Kallunki followed that mistake by making a poor throw to third, allowing Landon Hernandez to score.

The Slammers struggled at the plate tonight as well, striking out a total of 12 times.

Game number two is Wednesday with Corey Kimes on the Hill for Joliet and Tim Brown opposing him for Gateway. First pitch at 7:05 and the pre game on AM 1340 WJOL is at 6:50 p.m.

SLAMMERS ADD ANOTHER FIREWORKS SHOW SET FOR THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

Aaron Morse — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:50:07 +0000

Back-to-back nights with fireworks as Joliet returns home to play the Florence Freedom…

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE or by calling 815-722-2287

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy are excited to announce they have added a fireworks night to their already loaded promotional schedule.

This Saturday’s game against the Florence Freedom starts at 6:05 p.m. and will now feature a fireworks show upon its conclusion.

“We know our fans love fireworks so we’re doubling down with back-to-back fireworks nights to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend!” Assistant General Manager of Promotions Kelli Drechsel said. “Come out to the yard and enjoy the show.”

Friday is Country Night at Silver Cross Field and fireworks are scheduled for after the game. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile Sunday is Hometown Heroes Day. All firefighters, police officers, first responders and current & former military personnel will receive discounted ($8) reserved seat tickets for the game. First pitch on Sunday is at 2:05 p.m. and as always all kids get to run the bases after the game and the Slammers will stay late to sign autographs.

TRAVERSE CITY TOPS JOLIET IN FINAL GAME OF THREE GAME SERIES

Aaron Morse — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:10:32 +0000

Walks, missed offensive opportunities and sloppy play, too much for Slammers to overcome…

Box Score

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers (2-1) walked a combined eight Traverse City Beach Bums (1-2) and also stranded eight base runners in a 6-2 loss in the final contest of this three game series.

In addition to missing the strike zone and dropping offensive opportunities, the Slammers’ second baseman Nate Wilder committed two errors back to back in the top of the sixth inning.

Both errors were on ground balls and the first allowed catcher Chris Cowell to score and the second allowed centerfielder Scott Woodward to reach, which brought up last year’s MVP and All-Star Jose Vargus to the plate.

On the first pitch he saw, Vargus crushed a ball to left center that bounced off the wall, bringing in two runs, making it a 5-0 ballgame. It was a key turning point in the game and turned out to be insurmountable as Joliet suffered their first loss of the year.

Like every game this series, the Beach Bums struck first, scoring one run in the third. The difference in this game is Traverse City scored a second run in the fifth to extend their lead to 2-0. After picking up the three in the sixth, the Beach Bums added one more run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly to center field from shortstop Andrew Cohn.

Starter Scott Dunn for Traverse City also was a big reason Joliet could not pick up their first series sweep over the Beach Bums as he tossed seven shutout innings, striking out five and only allowed four hits.

The Slammers would try to climb back into the game, scoring a run in the eighth and one more in the ninth, but it turned out to be too little too late as the Beach Bums limited the damage in both frames, while preventing a series sweep.

However, Joliet does earn the series win over Traverse City to start the 2013 campaign, winning the first and second games, 5-2 and 6-3 respectively.

The Slammers hit the road for three games against the Gateway Grizzlies with the first game on Tuesday, May 20. Jacob Sanchez is on the mound for Joliet and Tucker Jensen for Gateway counters him.

First pitch for all three games comes at 7:05 p.m. with the pre game show on AM 1340 WJOL, starting at 6:50 p.m. each night.

STARTING PITCHING LIFTS JOLIET PAST TRAVERSE CITY AGAIN

Aaron Morse — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:58:35 +0000

Slammers make it two in a row and try to sweep the Beach Bums out of town tomorrow afternoon…

Video Archive Part One
Video Archive Part Two

Box Score

(Joliet, IL) – Joliet Slammers’ starting pitcher Chuck Lofgren knew it would be hard to match Evan Anundsen’s seven-inning, nine strikeout performance the previous night.

After tossing six and two third innings, while only allowing 2 runs off 5 hits, Lofgren may not have topped Anundsen’s performance on opening night, but he definitely threw just as well.

Lofgren (1-0) was a big reason the Slammers (2-0) beat the Traverse City Beach Bums (0-2) for the second straight night at Silver Cross Field. Also Grant DeBruin was equally hot in his professional debut, picking up not only his first career hit but also driving in three runs, going 3-4 on the night.

The second game of this opening weekend series started just like the first game, with the Beach Bums striking first. After two quick outs recorded by Lofgren in the first, Jose Vargus hit a two-out single and first baseman Chase Burch followed by driving Vargus home on a RBI double.

The 1-0 Beach Bums lead did not last long as the Slammers responded in the bottom of the second inning with three runs of their own.

Right fielder Seth Schwindenhammer and third baseman Kyle Maunus started the frame with walks, bringing up Grant DeBruin who got his first career hit, loading the bases for Goose Kallunki. Kallunki followed his 2-3, 3 RBI performance on opening night by hitting a two-RBI single in the second which cleared the bases after Matt Howard committed an error in center field, allowing DeBruin to score.

The Slammers picked up two more runs in the home half of the third after DeBruin topped his first career hit by driving in two on a two-out single. It was a 5-1 Slammers lead after three innings of play.

DeBruin, however was not done. In the bottom of the fifth he would drive in one more run on another two-out, RBI single to give the Slammers a 6-1 lead.

The Beach Bums would crawl back into the game, picking up two runs, one in the seventh and one in the eighth, but it would not be enough as the Slammers held on, 6-3 for their second straight victory over Traverse City.

Joliet goes for the series sweep tomorrow afternoon with first pitch at 2:05 p.m. Right-handed pitcher Brett Zawacki is on the hill for Joliet, he is opposed by six foot, Scott Dunn for the Beach Bums.

It’s Bark in the Park Day at the yard! Bring your furry friend for no extra charge.

The pre-game show on AM 1340 WJOL and on the Slammers Ustream channel, ustream.tv/jolietslammers, is at 1:50 p.m.

Single game tickets, season tickets, loaded ticket packages and group outings for the 2013 season are available now by calling 815-722-2287. Opening Night is Friday, May 17 at 7:05 p.m. as the Slammers take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. Click here to download the team’s complete 2013 schedule, click here for the full promotional schedule and click here to buy single game tickets. To stay up to date on the latest news, make sure to like the Slammers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

SLAMMERS VICTORIOUS ON OPENING NIGHT IN FRONT OF MORE THAN 3,400 FANS

Aaron Morse — Sat, 18 May 2013 05:10:18 +0000

Strong pitching, led by starter Evan Anundsen carries the Slammers to the win…

Box Score

Video Archive Part One

Video Archive Part Two

(Joliet, IL) – Joliet Slammers’ starter Evan Anundsen received a good birthday present at Silver Cross Field, a 5-2 opening night victory over the Traverse City Beach Bums.

The twenty-five year-old, right-handed pitcher was a big reason the Slammers (1-0) came away with the win against the Beach Bums (0-1) as Anundsen received the victory, recording nine strikeouts in six innings of work.

The Beach Bums however drew first blood in the fourth inning, after three scoreless innings by both Anundsen and Beach Bums’ starter Jacob Clem.

Scott Woodward led off the fourth with a single. One out later he stole second base and went to third on a wild pitch. He would get caught in a pickle on a Chase Burch grounder though and was retired 5-2-5-1-6-1. Burch went to second on the play and came around to score off an RBI single from Zach Kometani.

The Slammers would respond in a big way in the home half of the fourth. With one away, Nate Wilder singled and was moved over to third by a Michael Wing double. Jerod Yakubik tied up the game, driving Wilder home on a RBI single.

Seth Schwindenhammer hit a sacrifice fly to make it a 2-1 ballgame and Goose Kallunki drove in the third run of the inning on a RBI single.

The Beach Bums would get one run back in the top of the fifth, but the Slammers would add two big insurance runs off the bat of Kallunki in the bottom of the sixth to make it a 5-2 ballgame.

The five runs would prove to be more than enough as the Slammers bullpen closed things down in the seventh, eighth and ninth. Shawn Kale picked up three punch-outs in the eighth and Jacob Sanchez recorded his first professional save in the ninth.

The Slammers take on the Beach Bums tomorrow in the second game of this three game weekend series with Chuck Lofgren on the bump for Joliet and Johnny Omahen starting for Traverse City. Game time is at 6:05 p.m. It’s 80’s Prom Night at the yard and the first 1,000 fans receive a magnet schedule courtesy of Elegant Limo.

Single game tickets, season tickets, loaded ticket packages and group outings for the 2013 season are available by calling 815-722-2287 or stopping by the box office. Stay up to date on the latest news with the Slammers on Facebook and on Twitter.

SLAMMERS TAKE ON TRAVERSE CITY IN SEASON OPENING SERIES

Aaron Morse — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:34:56 +0000

Joliet’s 2013 season kicks off with three home games against the Beach Bums this weekend…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers, presented by ATI Physical Therapy, launch their third season in the Frontier League Friday at Silver Cross Field with a three pack of games against the Traverse City Beach Bums.

The 2013 campaign begins with a bang Friday, as fans will enjoy a firework show presented by Pepsi following the game. Also on opening night, one lucky fan will win a refrigerator courtesy of Grant’s Appliances.

Mayor of Joliet, Tom Giarrante will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, with Friday’s game starting at 7:05 p.m. and gates opening at 6:05 p.m.

Fans should dress to the “eights” to the second game in the series on Saturday because it is 80’s night at the ballpark. The gates on Saturday open at 5:05 p.m. with the game’s first pitch at 6:05 p.m.

The final game in the season opening series starts at 2:05 p.m. on Sunday with the gates opening at 1:05 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the game because it is “Bark in the Park” on Sunday.

Fans will not be the only ones bringing their furry friends to the ballpark as the Slammers are excited to officially introduce their own dog for a meet and greet during the series finale. Fans had an opportunity to vote on the name of the dog a few weeks ago and the winning name will be announced on Sunday.

Fans should arrive early to every game to take advantage of the “J.L. Early Bird Special, which is available for 30 minutes after the gates open. Arrive early to get a $2.25 Hamburger, a $1.50 Soft Pretzel, a $1.25 16 ounce fountain Pepsi product, a $1.00 Hot Dog and a $1.00 Small popcorn.

The first 1,000 fans to every game this weekend will receive a Joliet Slammer magnet schedule courtesy of Elegant Limo. Kids can also run the bases after the games on Saturday and Sunday.

Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Aaron Morse is returning for his third season as the voice of the Slammers. Dan Spadafora will join Morse in the radio booth this season, with every Slammers contest heard on Will County’s News, Talk, Sports, 1340 WJOL and home games being broadcast on the Slammers Ustream channel, ustream.tv/jolietslammers.

SLAMMERS FALL TO NORMAL IN FIRST EXHIBITION GAME OF THE YEAR

Aaron Morse — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:33:13 +0000

Pitching finishes the game strong for Joliet…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers came up just short in the first spring training game of the year Tuesday, falling to the Normal CornBelters by a final of 4-3.

Nearly 3,000 kids from area schools turned out for Education Day presented by Lewis University.

The score of this 11-inning tune-up game at Silver Cross Field really did not matter, with a spring roster of 36 that needs to be cut down to at most 24 players, what did matter was what first-year Manager Mike Breyman thought of his club’s performance.

“I saw some things I liked and some things I didn’t like,” Breyman said. “We seemed a bit timid early, the guys just need to go out and play.”

The CornBelters jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning off of a sacrifice fly to right field by catcher David Remedios, scoring center fielder Matt Wright on the play.

After a quick one, two, three bottom half of the first inning for Joliet, Normal was not done in the top of the second, sending eight batters to the plate and scoring two more runs.

The bases were loaded after the two runs had already scored but Joliet starting pitcher Seth Lintz managed to strand the Normal base runners after getting the sixth and seventh batters he faced in the inning to strikeout and the eighth to groundout to short.

“Things could have been a lot worse,” Breyman said. “In the second inning we gave up two runs but it easily could have been four.”

Slammers’ pitcher Corey Kimes pitched two scoreless innings in the third and fourth, but Normal made the game 4-0 after scoring one run in the fifth off right handed pitcher Seth Marcus.

Joliet did manage to score three runs with two coming in the 10^th inning.

Another bright spot for Joliet was left fielder Seth Schwindenhammer who went 2-4 at the plate with a double in the fourth and a line drive single in the 10^th inning. Schwindenhammer also scored in that inning to make the game 4-3.

Joliet’s pitching was also strong after the fifth, holding the CornBelters scoreless for the remainder of the contest.

The Slammers have an off day tomorrow and will have a second crack against the CornBelters on Thursday in Normal, IL.

You can listen to Thursday’s exhibition game on the Slammers Ustream channel, ustream.tv/jolietslammers. First pitch is at 10:05 a.m. Central Time.

SLAMMERS RENEW THEIR PARTNERSHIP WITH NEXTMEDIA FOR THE 2013 SEASON

Aaron Morse — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:06:04 +0000

All 96 regular season games plus the playoffs to air on AM 1340 WJOL…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy announced Monday they’d renewed their broadcast agreement with NextMedia for the 2013 baseball season.

All 96 regular season games plus the playoffs will be carried live on AM 1340 WJOL and online at wjol.com.

In addition, NextMedia station 100.7 FM WRXQ will be broadcasting live outside Silver Cross Field before every Thursday home game and the Kevin Kollins Show on WJOL will air live outside the park before every Friday home game this season.

“WJOL-AM is pleased to once again be the radio voice of the Joliet Slammers,” NextMedia General Manager Patrick Pendergast said. “We fully support their mission to keep professional baseball as a vibrant attraction in the Greater Joliet and Will County areas.”

Aaron Morse and Dan Spadafora will be broadcasting all the games for the Slammers. Morse returns for his second season as the team’s lead broadcaster and third overall with the organization. Spadafora recently served as the General Manager of WCKS near Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“We are excited to bring our fans the highest quality radio broadcasts every night,” Slammers General Manager Chris Franklin said. “Our partnership with NextMedia is invaluable and we are glad to be working with them once again in 2013.”

SLAMMERS UNVEIL BRAND NEW SILVERCROSSFIELD.COM

Aaron Morse — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:56:42 +0000

Website is your one-stop-shop for booking your event at the yard…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy unveiled a brand new website: silvercrossfield.com, on Tuesday.

“This beautiful facility is a place residents of Will County can enjoy year-round,” Special Events Coordinator Lauren Las said. “Our new website makes it easy to check out what’s happening at the yard and to book your own special event as well!”

Silvercrossfield.com features a list of all upcoming events at the park. Notable upcoming events right now include the first annual Slammers Yard Sale on June 15, $1 movie nights at the park on select Fridays this summer when the Slammers are on the road and the second annual Hopstring Fest on August 24.

The new website also has pictures and descriptions of all event spaces and an online contact form where you can submit requests for an event you’d like to host at Silver Cross Field. The Slammers also offer special event packages that are outlined on the site.

Give the Slammers a call at (815) 651-6042 if you want to discuss hosting an event or want more information on upcoming events at Silver Cross Field.