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O’Fallon, MO – The River City Rascals scored six runs in the first three innings, taking a big early lead before delivering the ThunderBolts an 11-2 defeat in game one of a three-game series at T.R. Hughes Ballpark Friday night.

With one out in the first, the Rascals scored their first run when Johnny Morales singled and stole second and Saxon Butler doubled him home.

Curran Redal started the three-run second-inning rally with a double. A walk and a hit batter loaded the bases with one out for Eric Williams, who singled home Redal. Morales brought home another run when he grounded into a fielder’s choice and a throwing error on the play made it 4-0.

Tad Barton, making his pro debut on the mound for the ThunderBolts was hurt by his defense in the third as River City scored two more runs. Taylor Ard singled, advanced to second on an error and to third on another. He scored on a groundout. Hector Crespo, who had reached on an error, scored on the third defensive miscue of the inning.

The ThunderBolts had their only offensive rally in the fifth. Andrew Brauer singled and stood at second with one out in front of Doug Joyce, who singled him in. Joyce moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Evan Button’s single.

The Rascals scored three more runs in the bottom of the inning to put it away. With just two hits and another error involved in the rally, they scored three runs thanks to a sacrifice fly for Brian Hansen and an RBI single for Williams.

River City got doubles from Ard and Crespo in the eighth to add two more runs and finish the scoring at 11-2.

Chase Doremus (3-1) pitched five innings for the win in his River City debut and Barton (0-1) allowed nine runs (three earned) in 4.2 innings for the loss.

The ThunderBolts and Rascals will continue their three-game series on Saturday night at 7:05. Travis Tingle (4-3, 4.61) will start for the Bolts and take on River City’s Tim Koons (1-2, 5.71). The game broadcast can be heard on WXAV 88.3 FM and wxav.com.

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