Local Connection Helps Slammers Win Third Straight

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers (22-18) scored two runs in the seventh inning to earn their 12th comeback victory of the season as they knocked off the Normal CornBelters (22-19) by a final score of 2-1 Sunday night.

Starter Ryne Miller was outstanding in his Slammer debut as he went six innings, giving up only one unearned run, scattering three hits, walking four and striking out five.

The lone Normal run came in the second frame. Asif Shah singled to lead things off and advanced to second after Miller walked the next batter. One out later Tyler Keeble singled to left. The CornBelters were going to hold Shah at third, but David Fox bobbled the ball and Shah came around to score. Fox airmailed his throw to third, allowing the CornBelters to put runners on second and third. Miller was able to get out of the jam as he got a line drive double play to end the inning.

Jeremy Tietze entered the game in the seventh and got into some trouble. A walk, a sacrifice bunt, a grounder to second, and an intentional walk put runners at the corners with two down. That’s when Frank Martinez hit a deep fly to right field that New Lenox native Josh Flores ran down on the warning track to retire the side.

The Slammers offense could get nothing going against Normal starter Ryan Sheldon (5-3) until they broke through in the seventh. Sean Estand was hit by a pitch leading off the inning. Kyle Maunus bunted him to second. Then with two away Bobby Leeper worked the count full before doubling to left-center, driving in Estand and tying the game. Saint Francis alumnus Brad Netzel also got two strikes on him before doubling to right-center, driving in Leeper and giving Joliet the 2-1 lead.

Manager Bart Zeller used a bullpen by committee in the eighth inning as Tietze, Chuck Lukanen, and Brian Smith combined to get all three outs.

Then Joliet Catholic alumnus Ryan Quigley made the record crowd of 3545 nervous in the ninth. He retired the first two batters no problem, but walked the next hitter and gave up a double after that. With runners on second and third and two away, the next batter walked as well, loading the bases.

Quigley showed his experience by not being fazed and striking out Daniel Cox looking to end the game. It’s his 12th save in 12 attempts on the season. Tietze (3-1) picked up the win in relief.

With the win, the Slammers are a season-high four games over .500. They will look to sweep the CornBelters Monday night as Jake Renshaw (4-2, 3.83 ERA) takes the mound. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Arrive early to get a mini American flag and stay late for the most spectacular fireworks show of the year.