By: Matthew Gustafson
JOLIET, IL – The Lake Erie Crushers used an early offensive outburst to sweep the Sunday doubleheader over the Slammers and clinch a series victory.
Lake Erie (13-8) carried over its momentum from the first game of the doubleheader, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Jack Harris singled to center field to score Jarrod Watkins.
The Crushers tacked on three more runs in the top of the second. Walner Espinal tripled to center field, scoring Jose Torrealba, before a single to left-center by Scout Knotts brought home Watkins and Espinal to give the team a 4-0 lead.
Joliet (8-13) responded in the bottom half of the inning with a Jake Allgeyer single to score Antonio Valdez and cut the deficit to 4-1.
The Slammers made a final push in the bottom of the seventh inning of the shortened game. Liam McArthur walked before a Jeissy De La Cruz single to left field placed runners at first and second. Jonathan Sierra singled into left field to score McArthur, making it a 4-2 ballgame and putting the winning run at the plate.
But Sammy Taverez struck out Antonio Valdez for the final out, securing the second win of the day for Lake Erie.
Matt Valin earned the win for the Crushers, allowing one earned run and striking out five batters in 4.2 innings pitched. Andrew Dietz took the loss for Joliet, allowing four earned runs in 2.0 innings pitched and striking out two batters.
The Slammers will return to action Tuesday, June 4, for the first game of a weekday series against the Trois-Rivieres Aigles. Gates will open at 6:35 p.m. for Pajama Night.
For information on season tickets, premium suites or group outings, please visit the Slammers’ official website at www.jolietslammers.com.
