FL Windy City ThunderBolts

Cheetahs bring bats to work

May 21, 2002 - Frontier League (FL)
Windy City ThunderBolts News Release


CRESTWOOD, IL (Monday, May 20, 2002) – In a game where the bottom of the eighth brought the Cheetahs 14 runs, the Cook County Cheetahs took control of its road to the 2002 season, by beating the I.A.B. All-Stars 15-1. "We are right where we should be at this juncture in spring training," said Manager Chad Epperson. "The bats came alive and the pitching was what I expected it to be".

The Cheetahs action began in the second, when 2001 MVP James Rinne took one yard over the left field fence. "The pitch was in my sweet spot," said Rinne. "When it hit the bat, I knew that it was gone". The innings after the first two were pitchers innings until the eighth when the Cheetahs scored 14 of its 15 runs. "Its good to see the bats come alive," said hitting coach Carlos May. "After last year, we came in to the season knowing that we needed more bats on the roster".

Cheetahs local prospect, Craig Taczy took to the mound first for the Cheetahs. After giving up the only run for I.B.A. on an error in the first, the 6'7" lefty was able to hold it to a one run game. "We were able to view four of our pitchers in this game," said pitching coach Hoss Johnson. "We have the rest of the week to come up with the rotation for the year. We are going to give everyone a shot to show us what they have". With each pitcher averaging 2 1/3 innings, the staff was able to view Aussie, Cam Hardy, Steve Hardman and Eric Pierzchala.

The Cheetahs will continue exhibition series against the International Baseball Academy tomorrow May 22. The game will take place at Hawkinson Ford Field at 4pm (CST). The Cheetahs will also play the Rockford RiverHawks in two exhibition games on the 24th and the 26th. Both games are double-headers with the 24th being played in Rockford at 5pm and the 26th being played at Hawkinson Ford Field at 1pm. All games Hawkinson Ford Field are open to the public and seating as available.

The Cheetahs will swing into action for their home opener of the 2002 season by hosting the Evansville Otters on Wednesday, May 29 at 6:05pm (CST) at Hawkinson Ford Field. For ticket information contact by phone 708-489-2255, on the Web at www.gocheetahs.com and at Ticketmaster 800-559-1212.

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