FL Joliet Slammers

Slammers Fend off Grizzlies; Win 3-2

July 20, 2019 - Frontier League (FL)
Joliet Slammers News Release


JOLIET, IL - Behind a strong start from Wes Albert and solid relief pitching, the Joliet Slammers survived a close game with the Gateway Grizzlies Saturday night.

The Grizzlies got off to a hot start in the 1st, with Connor Owings driving in Brent Sakurai from first on a double in the gap to left-center. Albert was able to stop the bleeding however, sitting down the next three in order to end the top half of the inning. The Slammers did not respond in their half, ending the 1st inning 1-0, Grizzlies.

Responding in the bottom of the 3rd, the Slammers put their first run on the board on a double to deep left field from Riley Krane. Krane scored when Peyton Isaacson singled to left, giving the Slammers a 2-1 lead. The Grizzlies tied the game in the top of the 4th, adding another run on a single to center from Anthony Ray, driving in Luke Lowery from second. Ray was caught returning to first, ending the top of the 4th tied at 2-2.

Following two scoreless innings, where Albert saw just four batters in each inning, the Slammers took the lead in the bottom of the 7th. After London Lindley stole third base, he advanced home on a wild pitch from relief pitcher Patrick Boyle. A ground out from Krane ended the inning, with the Slammers taking a 3-2 lead into the 8th.

That would be the final score of the game, as the Slammers shut down the Grizzlies offense in the 8th and 9th innings to win the second game of the series.

The Slammers' relief pitching duo of Drew Peden and Mario Samuel provided three strong innings out of the bullpen after Peden took over for Albert in the top of the 7th. Striking out three batters in 1.2 innings of work, Peden worked quickly through the Grizzlies' lineup until Samuel took over for him with runners on first and second in the top of the 8th and two outs. Samuel was able to work out of the jam, and went on to secure the four out save in pitching a scoreless 9th.

Tonight's Merchants and Manufacturers Bank Player of the Game is Wes Albert (6.0 IP, 2 R, 6 H, and 5 SO).

The Slammers and Grizzlies square off once again tomorrow in the final game of this three-game series.

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