FL Joliet Slammers

Slammers Win Sixth Straight in Win over Rascals

Published on July 30, 2016 under Frontier League (FL)
Joliet Slammers News Release


JOLIET, IL- After struggling to find offense until late in the game Friday night, the Slammers' bats came out strong early and it was just enough to hold off the River City Rascals for a 5-4 win, July 30. The Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy had four different players drive in a run to get the win.

It took seven innings for the Slammers to find their first run Friday night, and the work of Sikes Orvis in the ninth inning to win the game. That was not the case Saturday, though.

Joliet came out in the first inning and jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Jake Gronsky and Marc Flores each drove in a run. Joliet's strong start is what made the difference in the game as they were only able to come away with a one-run win.

River City's bats finally got to starting pitcher Shane Bryant in the fifth inning, where they scored three times to pull within two runs. The Slammers' relief pitching held tough late in the game, allowing just one run, especially Kevin Simmons in the ninth getting out of a second and third jam.

The Slammers scored three times in the third inning, and that would be the last time they put a runner across the plate. Newcomer Zarley Zalewski drove in the final run of the game on a sac fly.

"I'm just excited to be out here," Zalewski said. "It took me a long time to find somewhere to play and I finally found somewhere to play and I'm excited. We got a win out of it, so it makes it even better."

Zalewski just recently graduated from Kent State University earlier this year.

In an already versatile lineup, where anyone can play almost anywhere, Zalewski brings a little added versatility to the team. Flores has seen time at first and in left field, Melvin Rodriguez has played second base, left field, and right field, Phil Bates has played both left and right, and catcher Casey Fletcher has also seen time in the outfield as well.

For Zalewski, he looks to play wherever he is needed, he said. Zalewski was the designated hitter Saturday night.

"I'm a utility guy," he said. "I play corners infield and corners outfield, so it's up in the air where they feel it's necessary for me to go."

Zalewski is hopping onto a first-place Slammers team that has won its last six games and back-to-back series.

The Slammers will go for the sweep Sunday afternoon when they square off with the Rascals at 1:05

Saturday's Merchants and Manufacturers Player of the Game was Carter Bell for going 3-5 at the plate.

About the Joliet Slammers: The Joliet Slammers 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 Slammer 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 or follow them on Twitter at @jolietsl

Check out the Joliet Slammers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Frontier League Stories from July 30, 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