Sports stats



FL Joliet Slammers

Slammers Late Game Comeback Falls Short

June 25, 2016 - Frontier League (FL)
Joliet Slammers News Release


Joliet, IL - For eight innings, the Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy struggled to score runs, but managed to show some life in the ninth inning almost making a comeback, but lost to the Lake Erie Crushers 10-7 Saturday, June 25.

The Crushers had the Slammers' number throughout the game, allowing just three runs through the first eight innings. Boo Vazquez put the Slammers right back in the game in the ninth inning with a grand slam. Vazquez has hit a grand slam in two straight games.

The Slammers had put up 40 runs in its previous four games at home, so it was no surprise that they were not going to let the Crushers put them away and only score three runs.

Vazquez has been one of the biggest forces in the Slammers' line up all season. The right fielder leads the Frontier League in home runs with 11, and also leads the Frontier League in RBIs, passing teammate Carter Bell.

Vazquez was tied with Bell for the league-lead in RBIs coming into the game, but the grand slam in the ninth inning propelled him to 39 RBIs on the year and grab sole possession of the league lead.

Saturday's Merchants and Manufacturers player of the game was Vazquez for his big grand slam in the ninth inning, which gave the Slammers a chance to come back.

Joliet had no shortage of hits Saturday as they matched the Crushers with 12 hits. Lake Erie was just able to get base hits in key moments. Alfredo Rodriguez was 2-3 with two hit by pitches and two runs scored.

The Slammers did get 12 hits, but were only able to score three runs off Lake Erie's starting pitcher Mike Devine, giving him the win on the mound.

"Their pitcher was able to control both sides of the plate," Alfredo said. "We weren't able to string some hits together and stay at pace with their offense against us. It was just a matter of their pitcher using his fastball effectively."

Shane Bryant took the loss on the mound for the Slammers after having a great debut June 18, where he allowed just one run in six innings. That was not the case Saturdaynight.

Bryant pitched 4.1 innings and allowed five runs on six hits, and took the loss.

Bryant was pulled in the fifth inning after an intentional walk to load the bases. Marc Rutledge replaced him but could not put away the Crushers.

Rutledge allowed a sacrifice fly to Bryan De La Rosa for the second out, but allowed back-to-back singles to finish off a five-run fifth for the Crushers.

Despite the loss, a few positives came out of the game with the Lake Erie Crushers. One: the Slammers proved they still have one of the best offenses in the Frontier League. Joliet leads the Frontier league in RBIs with 199, 15 more than the second place Southern Illinois Miners.

"It's very encouraging to score some runs like that in the end, so we'll use that going forward" Alfredo said. "We have all the confidence in the world. We don't feel like any lead is insurmountable."

Two: the Windy City Thunderbolts also lost, keeping the standings as they were earlier Saturday. The Slammers are just .5 games behind the Thunderbolts in first place.

"The Thunderbolts gave us a tough few games this past week," Alfredo said. "We're just trying to play our game and hopefully all the rest will take care of itself."

The Slammers and the Crushers will be back Sunday at 1:05 p.m. to wrap up the three-game series.

About the Joliet Slammers: The Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy play at Silver Cross Field in downtown Joliet, Illinois, and are members of the professional, independent Frontier League. The Frontier League is a 12-team league entering its 24th season of play in 2016. Visit the Slammers online at www.jolietslammers.com or call the ticket office at 815-722-2287 for more information! Don't forget to "Like" the Slammers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jolietslammers, follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @jolietslammers, or add them on Snapchat, username jolietslammers!

Check out the Joliet Slammers Statistics



Frontier League Stories from June 25, 2016


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.

OurSports Central