By: Matthew Gustafson
JOLIET, IL – The Slammers used a strong start from Brett Sanchez and three-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure a second straight victory over the Trois-Rivieres Aigles.
The Slammers (10-13) struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning. Antonio Valdez singled and stole second base before Trois-Rivieres pitcher Jesen Therrien’s throw to first base on a groundball from Jonathan Sierra was errant. The error allowed Valdez to score, giving Joliet a 1-0 lead.
Brett Sanchez threw 6.1 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, keeping the Aigles’ bats at bay and working out of bases loaded jams in the second and fourth innings. After two straight singles and a fielder’s choice in the top of the seventh placed runners at first and second, David Harrison entered the game in relief and forced an inning-ending double play to maintain the one-run lead.
Trois-Rivieres (11-11) tied the game in the top of the eighth inning. L.P. Pelletier reached first on an error before stealing second base. Steve Brown singled through the right side to bring Pelletier home, knotting the score at 1-1.
Joliet immediately responded with a three-run rally in the bottom half of the inning. Jeissy De La Cruz, pinch hitting for Jake Allgeyer, opened up the half with a walk before advancing to second base on a wild pitch. Liam McArthur walked before a sacrifice bunt from Chris Davis placed both runners in scoring position with one out.
Antonio Valdez was hit by pitch to load the bases for Matthew Warkentin, who singled to right field to score De La Cruz and give the Slammers a 2-1 lead. Jonathan Sierra singled through the right side and Drew Stengren grounded out to add two insurance runs for Joliet before the end of the inning.
The Aigles tried to rally in the top of the ninth inning, opening the frame with a single and walk to bring the tying run to the plate. Kevin Fee induced a double play from Edouard Savoie before Cameron Smith entered the game to secure the final out, striking out Brendon Dadson to give the Slammers a 4-1 win.
Cole Wesneski was credited with the win for Joliet after entering in the top of the eighth to relieve Ian Delleman, maintaining the tied game. Jesen Therrien was tagged with the loss for Trois-Rivieres after allowing three runs in seven innings pitched, striking out eight batters.
The Slammers will go for the sweep over the Aigles tomorrow, June 6, on 80’s Night at Slammers Stadium. 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.
