Slammers Implode In Third Inning

The Washington Wild Things (36-44) scored six times in the third inning to knock off the Joliet Slammers (48-33) by a final score of 6-3 Thursday night.

Andrew Moss (5-5) shut down the Wild Things through the first two frames. But the third inning started with three straight singles to make it 1-0 Washington. One out later Scott Lawson doubled in two to extend the lead to 3-0.

Then with two down Estee Harris smacked a two run home run and it was 5-0. Kevyn Feiner tripled and Blake Ochoa singled him home to complete the scoring for the inning.

In the fourth inning the Wild Things turned a double play and their second baseman Lawson bounced the ball off the turf on purpose to shortstop for the first part of the 4-6-3 twin killing.

The Slammers took exception to the move so Moss threw inside and barely hit Doug Thennis to start the bottom of the fourth. He was immediately ejected from the game and manager Bart Zeller was soon ejected as well.

Not long after Ben Hewett also got tossed from the game. This forced the Slammers to eliminate the DH as Trey Manz moved from DH to catcher.

Joliet did cut the deficit in half in the sixth. Brad Netzel and Hector Pellot started the frame with back-to-back singles. One out later Kyle Maunus doubled in Netzel but Pellot was thrown out at third on the play.

Manz, who went 4-4 in the game, singled in Maunus. A David Fox single put runners at the corners and Brandon Peters reached on an error to score Manz. Pinch hitter Josh Flores flew out though and that was all the runs Joliet could push across the plate.

Joliet did bring the tying run to the plate in the eighth inning with two outs. Erik Lis pinch hit but he flew out weakly to third to end the threat.

Jhonny Montoya (4-6) went seven innings, scattering nine hits, giving up three runs, two earned, walking one and striking out four to get the win.

Moss took the loss and lasted only three plus innings, giving up nine hits, six runs, all earned, walking one and striking out two.

The bullpen for the Slammers was outstanding again as Billy Petrick, Chuck Lukanen, Brian Smith, and Ryan Quigley combined to shut down Washington after the third inning.

But that big third inning was all Washington needed to hand the Slammers their third straight loss. It’s only the third time this season the Slammers have lost three in a row.

The Slammers open a six game home stand Friday night. Division rival Traverse City comes to town and it’s another fireworks Friday as the Slammers celebrate Beatles Night at Silver Cross Field.

The first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a souvenir photo in the style of the famous Beatles Abbey Road album cover featuring Jake Renshaw, Trey Manz, Brian Smith and Billy Petrick, courtesy of Rocket Imaging! Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind giveaway!

Gates open at 6:00 p.m., first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. After the fireworks show is over, fans will receive Kiwanis Club peanuts as they exit Silver Cross Field. It’s also Channahon Community Night.

Mayor Joe Cook will be throwing out the first pitch. Channahon businesses interested in promoting their business and enjoying a Slammers game should call Dan DeCaprio at (815) 722-2287.