Slammers Punchless in Loss to Freedom

On a hot, humid Tuesday evening in Kentucky, the Joliet Slammers’ (8-8) bats went cold against the Florence Freedom (10-6) in a 4-1 defeat.

Things started off well for Joliet as Kyle Maunus hit a solo home run in his first at bat in his return to the lineup in the second inning to make it 1-0 in favor of the Slammers. That was all the Slammers’ offense could muster against Freedom starter Andy Clark (3-0). Clark went seven innings, scattering seven hits while surrendering the lone run. He walked no one and struck-out 10.

The Freedom tied the game in the bottom of the second against Slammers’ starter Billy Petrick (1-3). With one out Chris Curley doubled and after there were two down Jonathan Cisneros singled him home to knot the score at one.

Then they grabbed the lead for good in the third. With one out Jimmy Baker drew a walk and Stephen Shults reached on a Sean Estand error. Mark Samuelson singled home Baker and the Freedom were up 2-1.

Petrick pitched really well after that as he went seven innings, giving up seven hits, those two runs, walking four and striking-out five.

With two on and one away in the fifth, Thomas Creal gave the ball a ride to deep right but it was caught at the wall.

The Slammers never really threatened after that as Florence tacked on two insurance runs, both unearned, off Chuck Lukanen in the eighth.

The Slammers’ 12 strike-outs in the game matched their season high as the offense never got going.

The Slammers look to bounce back Wednesday night as they’ll send Jake Renshaw (2-0, 4.58 ERA) to the mound to take on Chris Ingoglia (2-0, 1.96 ERA).