wcthunderbolts.com

CRESTWOOD, IL – A pitchers’ duel at Standard Bank Stadium ended in favor of the Crushers, as Lake Erie defeated the Windy City ThunderBolts in game one of a three-game set by a 2-0 final Tuesday night. 

Jake Welch got the start for the Bolts (31-43) and allowed only one hit over his first six innings, and did not allow a base runner to reach third base until the seventh. Alex Romero, on the other hand, notched his first career complete game in seven professional seasons. 

The deciding frame was the seventh, when Welch gave up a leadoff triple to Doug Trimble. Bryan De La Rosa followed with what ultimately played out to be the game-winning hit, as De La Rosa doubled Trimble home. 

Welch was removed from the contest in favor of Drew Peden, who allowed a double and a sacrifice fly to push the Crushers’ (39-34) lead to 2-0. 

The ThunderBolts put together rallies in the third and fourth innings, but stranded runners at the corners in the third. Romero later induced an inning-ending double play to finish Windy City’s rally with runners at first and second in the fourth. 

The Crushers’ right-hander settled in from there. Romero went on to set down 13 ThunderBolts in a row leading up to the ninth inning. 

Omar Obregon led off the frame with a single, increasing his hitting streak to 24 and on-base streak to 39. Romero, though, got his third double play of the contest, as Tim Zier grounded into a 4-6-3 twin killing, and Axel Johnson struck out to end the ballgame. 

Romero (7-6) earned the complete game shutout victory after allowing just three hits. Welch (5-4) took the loss. 

The ThunderBolts look to bounce back and even the series Wednesday night. Braulio Torres-Perez (1-3, 4.61) gets the start for Windy City, while Oriel Caicedo (1-2, 3.21) has the call for Lake Erie.

Wednesday is “Senior Night,” as well as “Win it Wednesday” at Standard Bank Stadium. Fans 55-years of age or older are admitted for free, and if the ThunderBolts win, your ticket becomes a voucher for any remaining Bolts game on the schedule. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 and those not in attendance may listen to the broadcast through wcthunderbolts.com.

Box Score