wcthunderbolts.com

CRESTWOOD, IL - The Windy City ThunderBolts sent the 2,717 people in the crowd home happy after Mike Coles sent a game-winning two-run homer over the left center field fence to beat the Traverse City Beach Bums 6-5 on Friday night at Standard Bank Stadium.

The game was tied 4-4 going into the top of the ninth inning, but Patrick Perry put the Beach Bums on top for a short time with an RBI-single off of reliever Isaac Hess (1-1)

Windy City put a base-runner on to lead off their half of the ninth after a throwing error by Brad Miller allowed Scott Billak to reach first. After a Mejia sacrifice bunt, Mike Coles sent a drive deep into the balmy night for
his first walk-off home run of his career off of closer Jeff Williams (0-1).

"I was looking for a fastball right down the middle because I knew [Williams] didn't want to get behind me," said Coles. "I was looking for something to drive and I got something."

Ross Stout was the starter for Windy City but didn't make it out of the third giving up four runs in just 2.1 innings. Jason Lowey came in relief and pitched remarkably going 5.2 innings and gave up no runs on three hits while walking two and striking out seven.

Traverse City jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning after a Jeff Brown RBI-double. The Bums made it 4-0 with a three-run third highlighted by a two-run homer by Kyle Maunus.

The 'Bolts came back with two in the fourth with an RBI-single from Wes Long and an RBI-double off the bat of Brett Amyx.

Windy City made it 4-4 with two more in the seventh thanks to RBI-hits from Gilberto Mejia and Long.

The ThunderBolts and Beach Bums will play game two of their three-game series Saturday night at 7:05. Fans are welcomed to stay after the game for a post-game fireworks show sponsored by Yellow Book USA.