wcthunderbolts.com

CRESTWOOD, IL – The ThunderBolts were held to four hits by Dominic Topoozian and a trio of Gateway Grizzlies relievers in a 3-0 loss that started a brief home stand at Ozinga Field Friday night.

The Grizzlies (11-14) threatened in the first inning, putting runners at the corners with no outs but Kenny Mathews pitched out of the jam. He was not as successful pitching out of a tough spot in the third. After Cody Brickhouse doubled and Anthony Ray singled, Brent Sakurai scored the first run on a fielder’s choice. Sakurai came home on a two-out double for Andrew Daniel.

Gateway got another clutch hit in the fourth as Brickhouse’s two-out single plated Ryan Kirby, who had doubled earlier in the inning.

For the ThunderBolts (12-13), scoring chances were few and far between. In the second inning, Randy Perez hit a one-out double but was stranded at third base. In the fourth, Tyler Alamo singled and Tyler Straub doubled, putting runners at second and third with one out, but Topoozian followed with one of his two strikeouts of the game to keep the shutout intact.

Topoozian (3-0) ended up going six innings and allowing just three hits in earning his third straight win. Mathews (1-2) allowed three runs on seven hits over seven innings. He struck out a season-high ten with no walks but took the loss. Grant Black’s scoreless ninth inning gave him his fifth save.

The loss dropped the ThunderBolts to 0-7 in games where they’ve had the chance to move above .500.

The series continues on Saturday night, Princess and Pirate Night at Ozinga Field. Anna, Elsa, Moana and Jake the Pirate will be out at the field and the game will be followed by a fireworks show. Christian Morris (1-2, 3.81 takes the mound for the Bolts against Gateway’s Lucas Lanphere (0-2, 10.57). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 and the radio broadcast can be heard through wcthunderbolts.com. 

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