By: Matthew Gustafson
JOLIET, IL – Geno Encina and Jonathan Sierra brought the fireworks in a dazzling Slammers victory to knot up their series with the Evansville Otters.
Joliet (22-25) scored in the opening inning for the second straight day. Singles by Liam McArthur and Antonio Valdez and a walk by Drew Stengren put three runners on base for Jonathan Sierra, who hit a bases-clearing double to left-center field with two outs to give the Slammers a 3-0 lead.
The jailbirds piled on three more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Walks by Jeissy De La Cruz and Drew Stengren alongside an Antonio Valdez single through the right side loaded the bases for Joliet.
Jonathan Sierra came up clutch once again, singling through the right side to score De La Cruz and Valdez. He batted in five of the Slammers’ six runs in the game. Giovanni Garbella followed up Sierra’s heroics with a single up the middle to bring home Stengren and give Joliet a 6-0 advantage.
Geno Encina pitched a gem to earn the win, holding Evansville (18-29) hitless through five innings and allowing one hit while striking out four in seven innings pitched. Jacob Morin and Ian Delleman both pitched scoreless innings to secure the shutout win for the Slammers.
Joliet pitchers allowed only two hits, completely dismantling the Otters’ offense.
Tristan Harvin was tagged with the loss for Evansville, allowing seven hits and six earned runs with six strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched.
The Slammers will go for the series win tomorrow, July 4, on Military Appreciation Day presented by JDog Junk Removal and Hauling. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
For information on season tickets, premium suites or group outings, please visit the Slammers’ official website at www.jolietslammers.com.
