
Pindel Sets ERA Mark in Thunderbolts' Win
August 30, 2024 - Frontier League (FL)
Windy City ThunderBolts News Release
CRESTWOOD, IL - Buddie Pindel tossed seven shutout innings to finish his season with a franchise-record 2.00 ERA and beat the Evansville Otters 5-3 in the final series opener at Ozinga Field Friday night.
In front of a crowd of 3,617, the ThunderBolts (39-56) got off to a hot start, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first. Cam Phelts started the rally with a walk. He stole second and third and scored on a Henry Kusiak single. Emmanuel Sanchez followed that with a base hit and Robert Chayka doubled home both of them.
The three runs appeared to be more than enough for Pindel, who only allowed two runners to reach third base in his seven innings. Pindel struck out a new season-high nine and retired the last six batters he faced, keeping the Otters (41-54) off the board.
The Bolts padded their lead in the fourth when Joe Johnson singled and Christian Kuzemka hit an RBI double. Kuzemka scored on a Kusiak sacrifice fly, making it 5-0.
The Otters plated three runs off the Windy City bullpen in the eighth. Mason White homered and Randy Bednar hit an RBI double, but Jack Mahoney entered the game and pitched out of further trouble to keep the ThunderBolts ahead.
Pindel ended his season at 9-7 with the win. Zach Smith (7-8) allowed five runs over five innings and took the loss. Tyler LaPorte struck out two over a perfect ninth inning for his 13th save.
The ThunderBolts and Otters conclude their seasons on Saturday night. Ruddy Gomez (3-4, 4.64) starts for the Bolts and Casey Delgado (2-1, 2.15) gets the call for Evansville. On the last night of the year at Ozinga Field, the game will be followed by a Super Mega Fireworks Spectacular. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 and the broadcast can be found through wcthunderbolts.com.
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Frontier League Stories from August 30, 2024
- Pindel Sets ERA Mark in Thunderbolts' Win - Windy City ThunderBolts
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- Otters' Offense Arrives Too Late to Open Series - Evansville Otters
- Guenther's Extra Inning Double Keeps Lake Erie Alive in Playoff Race - Lake Erie Crushers
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