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FL Joliet Slammers

Starting Pitching Lifts Joliet Past Traverse City for Second Straight Win

May 18, 2013 - Frontier League (FL)
Joliet Slammers News Release


(Joliet, IL) - Joliet Slammers' starting pitcher Chuck Lofgren knew it would be hard to match Evan Anundsen's seven-inning, nine strikeout performance the previous night.

After tossing six and two third innings, while only allowing 2 runs off 5 hits, Lofgren may not have topped Anundsen's performance on opening night, but he definitely threw just as well.

Lofgren (1-0) was a big reason the Slammers (2-0) beat the Traverse City Beach Bums (0-2) for the second straight night at Silver Cross Field. Also Grant DeBruin was equally hot in his professional debut, picking up not only his first career hit but also driving in three runs, going 3-4 on the night.

The second game of this opening weekend series started just like the first game, with the Beach Bums striking first. After two quick outs recorded by Lofgren in the first, Jose Vargus hit a two-out single and first baseman Chase Burch followed by driving Vargus home on a RBI double.

The 1-0 Beach Bums lead did not last long as the Slammers responded in the bottom of the second inning with three runs of their own.

Right fielder Seth Schwindenhammer and third baseman Kyle Maunus started the frame with walks, bringing up Grant DeBruin who got his first career hit, loading the bases for Goose Kallunki. Kallunki followed his 2-3, 3 RBI performance on opening night by hitting a two RBI single in the second which cleared the bases after Matt Howard committed an error in center field, allowing DeBruin to score.

The Slammers picked up two more runs in the home half of the third after DeBruin topped his first career hit by driving in two on a two-out single. It was a 5-1 Slammers lead after three innings of play.

DeBruin, however was not done. In the bottom of the fifth he would drive in one more run on another two-out, RBI single to give the Slammers a 6-1 lead.

The Beach Bums would crawl back into the game, picking up two runs, one in the seventh and one in the eighth, but it would not be enough as the Slammers held on, 6-3 for their second straight victory over Traverse City.

Joliet goes for the series sweep tomorrow afternoon with first pitch at 2:05 p.m. Right-handed pitcher Brett Zawacki is on the hill for Joliet, he is opposed by six foot, Scott Dunn for the Beach Bums.

It's Bark in the Park Day at the yard! Bring your furry friend for no extra charge.

The pre-game show on AM 1340 WJOL and on the Slammers Ustream channel, ustream.tv/jolietslammers, is at 1:50 p.m.

Single game tickets, season tickets, loaded ticket packages and group outings for the 2013 season are available now by calling 815-722-2287. Opening Night is Friday, May 17 at 7:05 p.m. as the Slammers take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. Click here to download the team's complete 2013 schedule, click here for the full promotional schedule and click here to buy single game tickets. To stay up to date on the latest news, make sure to like the Slammers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

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Frontier League Stories from May 18, 2013


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