Figueredo, ThunderBolts Take Down Gateway in Opener
Published on May 15, 2026 under Frontier League (FL)
Windy City ThunderBolts News Release
SAUGET, IL - The ThunderBolts scored seven unanswered runs in the middle innings to claim a series-opening victory over the Gateway Grizzlies 7-2 at Arsenal BG Ballpark Friday night.
Gateway (3-4) got on the board with a first-inning run on two hits. Dale Thomas's RBI infield single made it 1-0.
The ThunderBolts (6-2) didn't pick up a hit over the first three innings but they broke out in the fourth. Daryl Ruiz singled, Michael Sandle doubled and Victor Cerny picked up his 11th RTBI of the year with a base hit. A James Dunlap sacrifice fly brought home their second run and gave them a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
The Bolts added three more runs in the fifth. After a Josue Urdaneta walk and Oscar Serratos single, Ruiz doubled both men home. He later scored on another Cerny RBI single.
The sixth inning began with four straight baserunners. Jared Beebe singled and three straight walks forced him home. Ruiz picked up his third RBI of the night on a sacrifice fly, making the lead 7-1.
The Bolts finished the game with eight hits and nine walks. Urdaneta led the way, reaching base four times.
Gateway added one more run on a walk, two steals and an error in the bottom of the frame but managed only one hit after the fourth inning.
Kevin Figueredo (1-1) earned his first professional win, throwing six innings and allowing just one earned run on three hits. Xander Lovin (0-1) took the loss. He pitched into the fifth and was charged with four runs.
Game two of the three-game set is slated for Saturday night. The ThunderBolts have not yet named a starter. Josh Dima will make his pro debut on the mound for Gateway. First pitch from Arsenal BG Ballpark is scheduled for 6:30 CDT and broadcast information is accessible at wcthunderbolts.com.
Frontier League Stories from May 15, 2026
- Miners Drop Series Opener to Boulders - Sussex County Miners
- Sixth Lead Change Proves Final as Six-Run Eighth Sinks Mud Monsters - Mississippi Mud Monsters
- Figueredo, Thunderbolts Take Down Gateway in Opener - Windy City ThunderBolts
- 'Rally Bat' Propels Late-Inning Crushers Win over Mud Monsters - Lake Erie Crushers
- Slammers Fall in Sudden Death Thriller against Aigles - Joliet Slammers
- Grizzlies Take Second Straight Loss against Windy City - Gateway Grizzlies
- Titans Bounce Back, Stomp Rox - Ottawa Titans
- Otters Keep Fighting, Win Opener in Florence - Evansville Otters
- Figueredo, ThunderBolts Take Down Gateway in Opener - Windy City ThunderBolts
- Kobe Foster Dazzles in Win in Front of Sellout Crowd in Home Opener - Washington Wild Things
- Florence Bullpen Falls Late to Evansville Again - Florence Y'alls
- Johnston Deals, Bird Dawgs Cruise Past Jackals 7-2 to Open Weekend Series - Down East Bird Dawgs
- Ninth Inning Rally Falls Short at Washington - Schaumburg Boomers
- Mud Monsters Bolster Pitching Staff with Former Ivy Leaguer Dusty Baird - Mississippi Mud Monsters
- Trio of Homers Not Enough as Florence Takes Series - Mississippi Mud Monsters
- Late Comeback Falls Short, Titans Drop Rubber Game in Pomona - Ottawa Titans
- Slammers Take Last Away Game against Grizzlies in Dominating Fashion - Joliet Slammers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
