By: Matthew Gustafson
JOLIET, IL – The Slammers reached double digits in the run column Tuesday in a weather-delayed victory over the Trois-Rivieres Aigles.
Joliet (9-13) struck first in the opening inning when Jonathan Sierra singled to center field, scoring Matthew Warkentin to give the Slammers a 1-0 lead.
The Aigles (11-10) responded with four runs in the bottom of the second for a 4-1 advantage during an inning that was delayed thirty minutes when a storm passed through Joliet. Mario Feliciano scored the first run on a passed ball before a single to right field from Brendon Dadson gave Trois-Rivieres the lead. A gutsy double steal allowed Dadson to steal home before Dalton Combs singled to score L.P. Pelletier.
The Slammers responded with an even greater offensive showcase in the bottom of the fifth.
Liam McArthur started the party with a one-out double to left field before a Chris Davis single to right-center field sent him home. Jeissy De La Cruz walked before a single by Matthew Warkentin loaded the bases for Jonathan Sierra, who singled to right field and brought home Davis to cut the deficit to one.
Giovanni Garbella gave Joliet the lead with a single to left field, scoring De La Cruz and Warkentin for a 5-4 lead. After a pitching change and strikeout by Antonio Valdez, Drew Stengren cleared the bases with a double down the left field line to expand the lead to three runs, 7-4.
The Slammers piled on more runs the next inning.
A walk by Chris Davis and Jeissy De La Cruz single set up a Matthew Warkentin double to center field, scoring both runners, before Warkentin advanced to third base on an error. He scored the next at-bat when Jonathan Sierra grounded out to second base, giving Joliet a 10-4 lead.
Three scoreless innings in the final third completed the commanding 10-4 series-opening victory for the Slammers.
Jake Armstrong earned the win for Joliet, striking out three batters and allowing three earned runs in five innings pitched. Tucker Smith was tagged with the loss for Trois-Rivieres after allowing seven earned runs over 4.1 innings.
The Slammers will aim to clinch a series victory over the Aigles tomorrow, June 5, on Polish Heritage Night. 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.
