SLAMMERS GAME HISTORY

MAY 14

2015- In one of two games that started the 2015 Frontier League season, the Slammers squared off against the Florence Freedom in Florence, KY. The Slammers would score first on a bases loaded walk to Russell Moldenhauer, but in the bottom of the inning, the Freedom score twice off of Slammers starter, David Kubiak, on a 2-run triple by Cody Bishop. The Freedom would get an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th for a 3-1 Slammers loss in a quick game that lasted under 2 1/2 hours.

MAY 15

2015- The Slammers faced the Florence Freedom down in Florence, KY and trailed 6-2 after four innings. The Slammers two runs come on a ground out by Mike Garza that scored Charlie White, and the second run is unearned as Freedom second baseman, Daniel Fraga, couldn’t handle a tough grounder by Russell Moldenhauer that brought in Nate Roberts. Slammers starting pitcher, Jordan Gunth, lasted just four innings as he allowed six runs, but just four were earned. A trio of Joliet relievers pitched four scoreless innings as the Slammers slowly chipped away at the deficit by scoring single runs in the 5th, 7th, and 9th innings. The run in the 5th inning came on a home run by Chris Serritella, and an Alfredo Rodriguez sacrifice fly brought home the run in the 7th. In the top of the 9th, Serritella led off the inning and went yard again to cut the deficit to one. However, after that the Slammers went down in order and lost the 2015 season opener 6-5.

MAY 16

2014- On an overcast downright cold 43 degree evening, the Slammers open their 2014 season hosting the Southern Illinois Miners. After a 0-3 deficit, the Slammers score the next three runs to tie the game at three after five innings due in part to a Tyler Roberts RBI single in the 3rd and an RBI double by Tre-Von Johnson in the 5th. The game would remain tied until the bottom of the 8th when Russell Moldenhauer would come through with a 2-out bases loaded single that would score Tre-Von Johnson and Max Casper. The Miners would score a run off of Jordan Wellander on a wild pitch to cut the Slammers lead to one. Ryan Connolly would come in but he allowed back to back walks to load the bases with two outs. Connolly would finally induce a force out at second base to end the nail biter in a Slammers 5-4 win. Chase Doremus would pitch 2.1 innings of scoreless ball in relief to be credited for the win and Connolly would get the shaky save.

MAY 17

2012- Facing the Windy City Thunderbolts in Crestwood, IL for the 2012 season opener the Slammers get single runs in the 1st and 3rd innings courtesy of Erik Lis and Zach Mandelblatt RBIs. However, the Thunderbolts would score four unearned runs in the bottom of the 6th due to a Hector Pellot error and the Slammers would fall 4-2.

2013- In the 2013 season opener for the Slammers, they hosted the Traverse City Beach Bums and fell behind 1-0 in the top of the 4th inning; however, in the bottom of the inning, the Slammers strike back by scoring three runs that was highlighted by RBI singles from Jerod Yakubik and Goose Kallunki. The Beach Bums would score a run in the 5th, but the Slammers would increase their lead to three runs by scoring twice on a 2-RBI single by Kallunki for a 5-3 Slammers victory. Evan Anundsen would pitch a solid six innings for the win and Jacob Sanchez would pitch a scoreless 9th for the save.

MAY 18

2012- The Slammers offense jumped all over Gateway Grizzlies starting pitcher Cale Johnson as they scored four runs in the top of the first and two more in the second to take a commanding 6-0 lead. The four runs in the 1st inning came on a grand slam by Zach Mandelblatt. The two runs in the 2nd inning were from an RBI double by Brad Netzel and then Netzel eventually scored on a wild pitch. The Grizzlies got on the board in the bottom of the 5th inning when Slammers starting pitcher, Tommy Mendoza, served up a solo home run by Case Rigby. That would be the only blemish for Mendoza and the Slammers pitching as he pitched five innings for the win. Slammers relievers would pitch four innings of no run one hit ball in the Slammers 7-1 victory.

MAY 19

2011- In the first ever game in Joliet Slammers franchise history, all facets of the game clicked against the Washington Wild Things as the offense scored three runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Devin Shepherd would be the first Slammer to get a hit (double) and Nick Ochoa would immediately follow with a double and have the first RBI in team history. The Slammers would score two unearned runs that inning as well. The Slammers would add two runs in both the 7th and 8th innings. Morris, IL native and former major league pitcher, Billy Petrick, would pitch a magnificent game going 8 innings and giving up just three hits in the Slammers first ever win a 7-0 shutout.

MAY 20

2011- In a quick game that lasted just over two hours, the visiting Washington Wild Things starting pitcher Justin Hall and Slammers starting pitcher, Jason Jarvis, hooked up in a good old-fashioned pitching duel. The game was scoreless through three innings, then in the top of the 4th inning, Scott Lawson led off and connected on a 2-1 pitch for a home run and a 1-0 advantage. The Slammers best scoring opportunity was in the bottom of the 3rd inning when they had runners on first and second with one out, but a fly out to right turned into a double play when Lee Rubin was doubled off second. Hall pitched a complete game giving up four hits, walking one, and striking out ten. Jarvis pitched seven spectacular innings walking one and struck out seven in a tough 1-0 loss.

MAY 21

2011- Hosting the Washington Wild Things the Slammers take a 3-0 lead after two innings as both Erik Lis and Kris Kasarjian contribute RBI hits. In the top of the third, the Wild Things get to Slammers starter, Jake Renshaw, by racking up five hits and four runs to overtake the Slammers 4-3. The Slammers retake the lead 5-4 on a 2-run double by Devin Shepherd. Ryan Quigley allows a hit in the top of the 9th, but shuts down the Wild Things for the save and a narrow Slammers victory.

MAY 22

2012- The Traverse City Beach Bums were in town to take on the Slammers and after three innings, the game was scoreless. The Beach Bums scored four runs against Jake Renshaw in the top of the fourth inning as an error by third baseman, Sean Estand, led to three of those runs being unearned. The Slammers would claw their way back to get within a run after seven innings with a run in the 5th inning on an RBI single by Trey Manz. In the bottom of the 7th, the Slammers scored twice on another RBI single by Manz and Hector Pellot scored from third on a wild pitch. That would be as close the Slammers would get and the Beach Bums added 2 runs in the 8th inning and 1 run in the 9th inning off Slammers relievers. Due to an error by Hector Pellot, those two runs in the 8th were unearned. In the 7-3 Slammers loss just two of the seven Beach Bums runs were earned.

MAY 23

2012- On an Education Day in front of a crowd of 4,093, the Slammers hosted the Traverse City Beach Bums with a first pitch at 10:08 a.m. The game was scoreless through 3 1/2 innings, but then the Slammers offense took control by scoring six runs on six hits in the bottom of the 4th. Run scoring hits came from Kyle Maunus, Trevor Willis and Ben Hewett. Hector Pellot added a sacrifice fly to score a run, and on a double steal, David Fox was able to steal home. The Slammers comfortable lead would be cut in half as the Beach Bums scored three times in the top of the 5th inning against Tommy Mendoza. With two outs, Slammers center fielder Trevor Willis couldn’t handle a fly ball for an error to extend the inning and the Beach Bums took advantage as Jose Vargas blasted a 3-run homer to make the score 6-3. The Beach Bums continued to chip away and going into the top of the 9th inning the Slammers clung to a 7-6 lead. Slammers closer, Amalio Diaz, came in looking for the save and promptly struck out Jose Vargas for the first out, but then the Beach Bums hit back to back home runs by Chase Burch and Jeff Flagg to take a 8-7 lead going into the bottom of the 9th. Despite getting a lead off single by Kyle Maunus the Slammers couldn’t score and lost 8-7.

MAY 24

2011- The Slammers traveled to Crestwood to take on the Windy City Thunderbolts in a morning game and took a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning on an RBI single by Lee Rubin that scored Kyle Maunus who led off the inning with a double. The Slammers would hold that lead until the 5th inning when the Thunderbolts tied the game with a Mike Torres single against Slammers starter Andrew Moss. In the 6th inning, Moss would be charged two more runs as the Thunderbolts had runners on first and second. Kyle Kreich would come in relief and strike out the first batter for the second out, but then Kreich gave up a 2-run single to Nick Kuroczko. In the top of the 9th inning, the Slammers went down in order against Thunderbolts closer Bradley Blanks and lost 3-1.

MAY 25

2011- Game was postponed due to rain.

MAY 26

2011- The Slammers and Windy City would split a double header in Crestwood. In Game 1 despite outhitting Windy City, the Thunderbolts defeated the Slammers 3-2 as Billy Petrick took the loss. In Game 2, Kevin Crimmel started for the Slammers and pitched a gem as he pitched six scoreless innings giving up just three hits. The Slammers would score twice as Erik Lis had an RBI single in the 4th and an RBI single by Devin Shepherd in the 6th. Ryan Quigley pitched a scoreless 7th inning for the save.

MAY 27

2011-The Slammers score five runs in the top of the eighth inning including two 2 run home runs by Josh Flores and Erik Lis for a come back 7-4 victory against the Lake Erie Crushers. Jason Jarvis would get the win pitching seven innings and Aaron Dott would get the two inning save. 

MAY 28

2011- The Slammers score twice to begin the game as Devin Shepherd and Kris Kasarjian have RBI singles. The Slammers 2-0 lead lasts until the bottom of the 4th inning when the Lake Erie Crushers crush the ball including a 2-run triple by Robby Kuzdale to give the Crushers a 3-2 lead. The Slammers promptly tied the game in the top of the 5th inning when Bobby Leeper led off the inning with a home run. The game remained tied heading into the bottom of the 9th inning, but Jeremy Tietze gave up a 2-out RBI single to Kellen Kulbacki as the Crushers walked off with a 4-3 win over the Slammers.

JUNE 1

2011- During a morning game in Joliet against the Florence Freedom, the Slammers score four times in the bottom of the 2nd inning. The Slammers start the scoring on a solo home run by Kyle Maunus, and the Slammers get an RBI from Brian Smith and a 2-run double by Brad Netzel. In the top of the 3rd, Slammers starter Morris native and former Major Leaguer, Billy Petrick, would leave after just recording one out as he gave up seven runs in the inning. The Slammers couldn’t make a big enough comeback as the Freedom defeat the Slammers 15-6. 

2012- The Slammers treat the home crowd to lots of scoring for the good guys as the Slammers score in six of the eight innings they bat. After four innings, the Slammers lead the Washington Wild Things 10-0 and eventually win 15-2, but could’ve been more as the Slammers still left 10 men on base! The Slammers pound out 16 hits including four hits by Erik Lis, and 4 RBIs by David Fox. On the mound, starter Eric Binder pitches five innings allowing 4 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks and strikes out 6. 

2013- On the road the Slammers trail the Lake Erie Crushers 1-0 in the top of the 8th inning when Marquis Riley draws a 1 out walk then steals second base. Following an out by Nate Wilder, Grant DeBruin singles home Riley for the tying run. The game goes to extra innings where the Slammers score two runs in the top of the 10th on RBIs by David Christensen and Michael Wing. Justin Erasmus takes the mound in the bottom of the 10th and gets two quick outs, then gives up a double and a walk before inducing a ground-out for the final out and a save in the Slammers 3-1 victory. Slammers starting pitcher Jacob Sanchez was stellar in a no decision as he pitched 8 innings, allowing just four hits, one run, zero walks while striking out 10. Chase Doremus gets the win as he pitched the 9th inning giving up one hit. 

2014- Facing the Lake Erie Crushers in Avon, OH, the Slammers score 11 runs on 11 hits in a 11-4 win. The Slammers held a slim 5-4 lead going into the top of the 8th but then the offense explodes for 6 runs, highlighted by a 2-run single by Russell Moldenhauer, and two runs on a wild pitch and a passed ball. 

2016- The Slammers score two runs in the top of the third inning to take a 2-1 lead over the host Evansville Otters as Melvin Rodriguez leads off the inning with a home run and later Boo Vasquez singles home Phillip Bates. The Otters tie the game in the fourth off Slammers starter, Liam O’Sullivan. Then in the 8th inning, the Otters score three runs off Brent Choban to defeat the Slammers 5-2. 

2017- The home fans were treated to an old-fashioned pitching duel against the visiting Washington Wild Things. Chase Cunningham started for the Wild Things and Tyler House started for the Slammers. The game was scoreless until the 4th inning when both teams scored a run. The Wild Things scored on an RBI single by Hector Roa, and the Slammers run was courtesy of a Rock Shoulders home run. In the top of the ninth, Confessor Lara allowed two hits including an RBI double by Rashard Brown. In the bottom of the 9th with two outs there was still hope as Juan Silva drew a walk; however, Edwin Gomez would pop in foul territory to the catcher and the Slammers would lose 2-1. 

2018- Playing against the Beach Bums in Traverse City, the Slammers jump out to a 6-2 lead. That included a 5 run 4th inning that was highlighted by RBIs by Cody Clark, London Lindley, Justin Garcia, R.J. Thompson, and Ridge Hoopii-Haslam as the Slammers send eleven batters to the plate. The RBIs by Garcia, Thompson, and Hoopii-Haslam come on bases loaded walks. The Slammers would score six more runs for a 12-6 win. On the mound, Slammers starter Duke Von Schamann would pitch six innings, giving up 7 hits and just two earned runs. 

2019- In a rain shortened game against the Lake Erie Crushers the visiting Slammers break a 1-1 tie by scoring two runs in the top of the 5th. The runs score on singles by London Lindley and Chaz Meadows. Scot Hoffman gets the win pitching all five innings allowing four hits and one run. 

JUNE 2

2011- The Slammers host the Florence Freedom and take a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning. However, the Slammers defense commits four errors that gives the Freedom three unearned runs as the Slammers lose 7-3. 

2012- Hosting the Washington Wild Things, the Slammers trailed 1-0 going into the bottom of the 6th then the Slammers tie the game following a double by Jimmy Walters as he advances to third on a single by Ben Hewett. While Hewett is in a rundown trying to steal second, Waters scores from third. Following the 7th inning stretch, the Slammers score twice. After Erik Lis coaxed a walk, Zach Mandelblatt triples him home. The second run is courtesy of a sacrifice bunt that scores Mandelblatt from third. On the mound Slammers starter Matt Perconte had a solid outing going six innings and allowing one run on two hits while both striking out and walking five. Daniel Carela would get the win and Amalio Diaz would be credited with the save. 

2013- The Slammers on the road score six runs in the first three innings en route to a 9-5 victory against the Lake Erie Crushers. The Slammers pound the ball for 16 hits and still left 13 men on base. Shortstop, Michael Wing, goes 4 for 5 and scores two runs. Grant DeBruin, David Christensen, and Tyler Goodro each have two RBIs. Slammers starting pitcher, Corey Kimes, pitches five innings for the win while five relievers give up just one hit and no runs in four innings. Following back to back walks in the bottom of the ninth by Chase Doremus with no outs, Justin Erasmus induces a fly ball that advances a runner to third but then a 4-6-3 double play ends the game and Erasmus earns the save. 

2015- Hosting the Frontier League travel team the Frontier Greys, the Slammers hold a 2-0 lead after five innings. However, the road weary Greys score seven runs over the next two innings on the way to a 8-3 victory over the Slammers. 

2016- On the road against the Evansville Otters the Slammers get a run in the top of the 1st inning as Carter Bell singles home Alfredo Rodriguez, and a run in the top of the 4th inning on a solo home run by Melvin Rodriguez. Slammers starting pitcher, Kaleb Ort, had a rough outing as he lasted just 2.2 innings, giving up 7 hits and 8 runs in a 14-2 drubbing by the Otters.

JUNE 3

2011- Trailing 3-2 going into the bottom of the fifth inning against the Evansville Otters, the Slammers trailed 3-2 heading to the bottom of the fifth. The Slammers scored two runs courtesy of a sacrifice fly by Erik Lis and an RBI single by Nick Ochoa. The Slammers would add a run in the sixth for a 5-3 win. On the mound, Slammers starter, Jake Renshaw, went 6.2 innings giving up three runs. Ryan Quigley would earn the save, though things got interesting as he allowed two walks. 

2012- Hosting the Washington Wild Things on a Sunday afternoon, the Slammers pitching allowed all 13 runs for the Wild Things in the first five innings. The fifth inning being the back breaker as the Wild Things scored six runs off reliever Jim Schult. The Slammers offense was led by Abel Nieves who had four hits and an RBI and Erik Lis who collected three hits and two RBIs. The Slammers defense committed four errors that led to four unearned runs in the 13-5 loss that the Slammers actually led 4-2 after two innings. 

JUNE 4 

2011- With a solid outing by Slammers starting pitcher Andrew Moss who went 7.1 innings giving up two runs on eight hits, the Slammers offense had a nice game, as well. Designated hitter, Nick Ochoa, went 2 for 3 with a walk, scored a run and knocked in two runs on a single in the 7th inning in a 6-2 victory over the Evansville Otters. 

JUNE 5

2011- In a game that both teams had one big inning, the difference was that the Slammers scored in two other innings and the Evansville Otters scored only one more run. The Otters started the scoring with five runs in the second inning off of Slammers pitcher Kevin Crimmel. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Slammers erupted for 8 runs. The inning featured a 2-run homer by Erik Lis and a 3-run homer by Yasel Gutierrez as the Slammers sent 11 men to the plate. The Slammers would get two runs in the 7th inning and one more in the 8th inning for a 11-6 Slammers win to complete the three game sweep of the Otters. 

JUNE 6

2012- The Slammers did the short drive to Crestwood, IL to take on the Windy City Thunderbolts. The Thunderbolts would get a run in the bottom of the second off Slammers starting pitcher Steven Maxwell, but the Slammers would respond in the top of the 3rd inning when Erik Lis would belt a solo home run. The tied game didn’t last long because in the bottom of the third, the Thunderbolts would take a 2-1 lead. In the top of the 5th inning, the Slammers regained the lead this time 3-2 in a most unusual way. With runners on second and third, Hector Pellot blasted a deep fly ball to left field that was caught and Ben Hewett scored from third, but Abel Nieves also hustled and scored from second base for a 2 RBI sacrifice fly. The Thunderbolts tied the game in the sixth and in the top of the 9th inning, the Slammers broke the tie on a 2-run single by David Fox. Amalio Diaz pitched a scoreless ninth for the save as Daniel Carela who pitched two scoreless innings in relief was credited with the win in a Slammers 5-3 victory. 

JUNE 7

2011- The Slammers lone run against the Florence Freedom came in the top of the second on a Kyle Maunus home run. Billy Petrick was the hard luck starter for the Slammers as he gave up two runs through seven innings. The Freedom would get two unearned runs in the 8th inning as the Slammers committed two errors in the inning and the Freedom would defeat the Slammers 4-1. 

2012- The Slammers fell behind 3-0 after the first two innings against the Windy City Thunderbolts but the Slammers got within a run in the 4th inning on a 2-run homer by Zach Mandelblatt. However, the Slammers couldn’t get any closer and this time were on the losing end of the previous nights score of 5-3 as the team’s split the short two-game series. 

JUNE 8

2011- The Slammers trailed the Florence Freedom 4-1 after six innings, but the Slammers tried to come back as they scored twice in the 7th inning on a 2-run single by Bobby Leeper to get within one run at 4-3. Slammers starting pitcher, Jake Renshaw, would be tagged with the loss; though he had a quality start going five innings, allowing just three hits and surrendering two runs (one earned) striking out 7. Reliever, Kyle Kriech, gave up two runs in the 6th inning. 

2012- For the first time in Joliet Slammers history the team traveled north of the border to London, Ontario Canada to face the London Rippers. In their first game the Slammers bats were struggling as they only managed two hits against three Rippers pitchers. The Rippers scored first in the 2nd inning, and got single runs in innings four thru six with the last run coming on a home run by Stephen Cardullo (who in 2016 would make it to MLB with the Colorado Rockies for two seasons). The Slammers were shutout 4-0. 

JUNE 9

2011- In another close game against the Florence Freedom, the Slammers led 2-0 after two innings on RBI singles by Kyle Maunus and Ben Hewett in the 2nd inning. However, the Freedom scored three runs in the third and one run in the fourth for a 4-2 advantage which would stand until the top of the 8th inning. In the top of the eighth, the Slammers were able to tie the game at 4 as Erik Lis drove in two runs on his only triple as a Slammer. Slammers closer, Ryan Quigley, came in the bottom of the ninth, but couldn’t have a scoreless inning as the Freedom won 5-4 to complete the sweep against the Slammers. 

2012- The Slammers gave up four runs to the London Rippers in the bottom of the 7th and as a result a 3-1 Slammers advantage turned into a 5-4 defeat. In the top of the 7th inning, the Slammers broke a 1-1 tie with RBI singles by Kyle Maunus and Brad Netzel. In the bottom of the 7th inning, the Rippers big blow was a 3-run home run by Joash Brodin. 

JUNE 10

2011- The Slammers took on the Evansville Otters in Evansville and trailed 1-0 early, but the Slammers were able to come back by scoring two runs in the third inning and one run in the fourth. In the third, the Slammers got RBI singles by Erik Lis and Kyle Maunus. The Slammers added insurance runs in the 8th and 9th innings and Ryan Quigley recorded the save. Jeremy Tietze was pressed into action in the bottom of the fifth when Slammers starting pitcher, Andrew Moss, was ejected for arguing balls and strikes. Tietze pitched three flawless innings for the win. 

2012- The Slammers would get their first win in Canada and avoid being swept, in a high scoring, back and forth game that went into extra innings and lasted just a little more than 5 1/2 hours. The Slammers scored runs in eight of the eventual 13 innings. Going into the top of the ninth, the Slammers trailed 12-10, but the Slammers didn’t give up as Jimmy Waters came through with a 2-run single. The game remained tied until the 12th when the Slammers scored twice more with two unearned runs; however, the Slammers were unable to turn those Ripper miscues into a scoreless bottom of the ninth as the Rippers tied the game. In the top of the 13th inning, the Slammers regained the lead on an RBI single by Brad Netzel. In the bottom of the 13th, Jim Schult in his third inning of work worked his way out of a jam to strike out Zach Larson to finally end the game. 

JUNE 11

2011- The Slammers and Evansville Otters play a close game as the game is tied at three after six innings and tied at four after the seventh inning. In the top of the 8th inning, the Slammers score four runs on RBI singles by Kyle Maunus, Brad Netzel, Lee Rubin, and Ben Ferrell to take an 8-4 lead. The Otters would score a run in the bottom of the eighth to cut the lead to three, but in the bottom of the ninth Ryan Quigley would walk the lead off hitter, but retired the next three batters to save the Slammers 8-5 victory. 

2012- In their first ever game against the expansion Schaumburg Boomers, the Slammers fell behind 4-0 after six innings. The big blow was a Gerard Hall 3-run homer off Steven Maxwell in the top half of the fifth. The Slammers would get on the board in the bottom of the sixth as Hector Pellot would score on a wild pitch. The Boomers added a run in the top of the eighth, and the Slammers attempted a 9th inning comeback with two outs when the Slammers would score two unearned runs as two errors by the Boomers would score Hector Pellot and Erik Lis. However, that’s all the Slammers could muster in a 5-3 loss. 

JUNE 12

2011- The Slammers would score two runs in the top of the 1st but that would be all the team could manage against the Otters. Meanwhile the Otters didn’t fare much better against Billy Petrick and Slammers pitching. The Otters got single runs in the 2nd on a home run and in the 3rd on a ground-out. In the bottom of the 6th, the Otters broke the tie against Petrick on an RBI double by Mike Durant. In the top of the 8th, the Slammers had the bases loaded with one out but a double play ended that threat as the Slammers lost 3-2. 

2012- Hosting the Schaumburg Boomers, the Slammers got excellent pitching and productive hitting as the Slammers would shutout the Boomers. Slammers pitcher, Wander Alvino, pitched five innings allowing one hit, and three relievers would continue pitching dominance. Offensively, the Slammers scored four runs in the 8th to break the game open and win 8-0. The four runs came with two outs and highlighted by an Abel Nieves RBI double and a David Fox RBI triple. 

JUNE 13

2011- In a game against the Washington Wild Things, the host Joliet Slammers came away with a one run win. It was a pitching duel between the Slammers Jake Renshaw and the Wild Things’ Vidal Nuno. Slammers DH, Erik Lis, proved to be the difference with a 2-run homer in the bottom of the third that turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 Slammers victory. 

2012– The Slammers fell behind early against the Schaumburg Boomers as the Slammers gave up two runs in each of the first three innings to fall behind 6-0 and 8-0 after five innings. The Slammers finally avoided the goose egg in the 6th inning as they would get a run on a ground-out but the Slammers couldn’t score more and lost 9-1. 

JUNE 14

2011- Trailing 4-3 against the Washington Wild Things heading to the bottom of the 7th, the Slammers were able to tie the game at 4. The inning began with a Ben Ferrel lead-off single, advances to second on a passed ball, and scores when Bobby Leeper’s sacrifice bunt to the pitcher turns into an errant throw to first base. The game remains tied and goes into the 11th inning. Slammers reliever, Chuck Lukanen, sets down the Wild Things in order. In the bottom of the inning, Brad Netzel smacks a one out double and advances to third on a wild pitch. Netzel scores the game winning run on a Josh Flores sacrifice fly for a 5-4 extra inning home victory.

2012- Visiting the River City Rascals in O’Fallon, MO, the Slammers jump out to a 3-2 advantage after two innings with an RBI single in the 1st inning by Erik Lis and two unearned runs in the 2nd inning. The score remains the same until the 7th inning when the Slammers score three runs with two outs. The first run scores on a bases loaded walk to Zach Mandelblatt and then two more courtesy of a Jimmy Waters two run double. In the bottom of the 8th inning, the Rascals scored three runs as well with two outs off of Slammers reliever Brian Smith on a two run double by Josh Workman and an RBI single by Jeremy Synan. Amalio Diaz would come in and induce a ground-out to end the inning. In the bottom of the ninth, Diaz would work around a couple of walks to get the save and Tommy Mendoza who pitched seven magnificent innings allowing just four hits and two runs in a close 6-5 Slammers victory.

JUNE 15

2011- This game was rained out and postponed to Aug. 16. 

2012- The Slammers would take a 1-0 lead in the third inning against the River City Rascals, but then the Slammers would be outscored 13-0 and get clobbered 13-1. The Rascals would score 8 runs in the 8th inning and all of the runs scored before the Slammers recorded the first out.

JUNE 16

2011- Up in Traverse City, MI to take on the Beach Bums, the Slammers fall behind 5-1 after three innings and can not get closer than a two run deficit. Hector Pellot would go 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs to pace the Slammers offense. Starter Andrew Moss would get roughed up giving up 7 earned runs on six hits in just four innings as the Slammers would fall 7-4.

2012- In a game that would last just 7 full innings due to weather, Slammers starting pitcher Steven Maxwell would pitch all 7 innings giving up one run on 9 hits. The Slammers offense would score a run in the first, third, and eighth inning. In the first, Erik Lis would get an RBI single, in the third Abel Nieves would also have an RBI single, and in the eighth Ben Hewett would score on a wild pitch for a Slammers 3-1 win.

JUNE 17

2011- The Slammers offense scores early and often against the Traverse City Beach Bums as the Slammers score three times in the top of the 1st inning. Brad Netzel gets the scoring started with an RBI single that plates Bobby Leeper who led off the game with a walk. Then Josh Flores follows with a double and Erik Lis knocks Netzel and Flores in with a single. The Slammers would add three more runs including a 2-run homer by Josh Flores in the fifth inning to take a commanding 6-0 lead through five innings. The Beach Bums would get two unearned runs in the bottom of the 6th inning, and two runs in the 7th inning to cut the Slammers lead to 7-4 as the Slammers score a run in the top of the 7th. Ryan Quigley would pitch the 9th inning allowing a hit and striking out two to save the game for winning pitcher Kevin Crimmel in the Slammers 7-4 victory.

2012- Hosting the Traverse City Beach Bums, the Slammers would fall behind 2-1 after four innings. In the top of the fifth, the Beach Bums would add three more runs off of Slammers starter Wander Alvino. That would be all the Beach Bums needed as Beach Bums pitcher Jacob Clem baffled the Slammers hitters by pitching a five hit, one run complete game shutout as the Slammers would fall 5-1.

JUNE 18

2011- The Slammers would take a 2-0 lead in the top of the 3rd inning against the Traverse City Beach Bums on a Brad Netzel 2-run shot. In the bottom of the inning, the Beach Bums would tie the game at 2 then take a 4-2 lead after five innings. In the top of the ninth, the Slammers would score when Sean Estand singled home Brad Netzel who led off the inning with a double but that’s all the Slammers were able to get in a 4-3 loss. Billy Petrick pitched six innings allowing eight hits and 4 runs in the loss.

2012- Slammers starting pitcher Tyler Ware would give up two runs in the top of the 1st against the Traverse City Beach Bums, but the Slammers would get on the board in the bottom of the 4th on a Erik Lis home run. The Beach Bums would add a run in the top of the 5th for a 3-1 Slammers deficit. In the bottom of the 6th, a Hector Pellot 2-run homer would tie the game. Slammers reliever Brian Smith couldn’t hold down the Beach Bums as they would score twice and hang on to defeat the Slammers 5-3.

JUNE 19

2011- Hosting the Rockford Riverhawks, the Slammers would trail 3-1 heading to the bottom of the 6th inning, but the Slammers would strike for two runs to tie the game. Sean Estand would get an RBI single and later in the inning an unearned run would come home. In the top of the 7th inning, the Riverhawks would regain the lead 4-3 but that wouldn’t last long. Following the singing of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” the words” Let’s Get Some Runs” the Slammers took to heart. With the bases loaded, Erik Lis knocked a bases clearing double and Kyle Maunus followed with an RBI single to put the Slammers ahead 7-4. The Riverhawks would get a run in the top of the 8th. In the top of the 9th, Ryan Quigley would come in to record the save in a Slammers 7-5 victory.

2012- In a morning game hosting the Traverse City Beach Bums, the Slammers struggled as the Beach Bums scored five runs off of Tommy Mendoza in the top of the 1st that included a 3-run homer by Chris Kay. The Slammers got on the board with three runs in the bottom of the 3rd on a 3-run blast from Abel Nieves. However, the Beach Bums would strike again for five runs in the top of the 5th with the big blow being a 3-run double by Brian Heere. The Slammers would score three runs in the bottom of the 8th with three consecutive RBI singles by Erik Lis, Kyle Maunus, and Zach Mandelblatt but that would be it as the Slammers fall 13-6.

JUNE 20

2012– Tied at 1 after the first inning over the visiting Schaumburg Boomers the Slammers would break the tie in the 5th inning. The runs came from an Erik Lis sacrifice fly and after Hector Pellot doubled he would steal third base and then come home on a wild pitch. However, in the top of the 8th the Boomers got to reliever Daniel Carela as they scored four times on four hits test included a 2-run single by Nick Kuroczko and just like that the Slammers were down 5-3. In the bottom of the 8th the Slammers got a run back on a Jimmy Waters home run, but that was all the scoring as the Slammers were unable to cash in on a lead off walk to Trey Manz and the Slammers lost a tough one at home 5-4.

JUNE 21

2011– In the first game of a double header due to a rainout the previous night, the Slammers and the visiting Rockford Riverhawks battled in a back and forth game that ended up going extra innings. In the top of the 2nd inning the Riverhawks jumped all over Slammers starter Jason Jarvis for four runs that included a 2-run double by Luis Parache. The Slammers answered in the bottom half of the inning with two runs on a Sean Estand home run. After four innings the Slammers trailed 6-4, but then in the bottom of the 5th Brad Netzel came through with a game tying 2-run single. The game remained tied until the bottom of the 8th inning when the Slammers walked it off on a two out single by Ben Hewett for a thrilling Slammers 7-6 victory. In game 2 that started at 9:35 pm the Slammers scored single runs in the 3rd and 5th innings on a Bobby Leeper ground out and an rbi double by Kris Kasarjian. The Riverhawks scored a run in the top of the 6th on a Matt Greener home run. The Slammers answered in the bottom of the inning when Josh Flores who walked, stole second, advanced to third on a passed ball, then stole home. Ryan Quigley came in in the top of the 7th and had to work his way through a jam as the Riverhawks loaded the bases but Quigley induced a groundout to complete the double header sweep with a 3-1 win.

JUNE 22

2011– Through four innings the visiting Windy City Thunderbolts hold a 2-1 lead, but then the Bolts seemingly broke the game open as they scored six runs in the fifth off Kevin Crimmel to take a 8-1 lead. The Slammers battled back as they scored a total of seven runs from the 6-8 innings. However the Thunderbolts would score two runs in the top of the 7th inning which proved to be the difference in a 10-8 loss.

JUNE 23

2011– The Slammers bats were charged with thunder against the Windy City Thunderbolts as the Slammers racked up 16 hits that included home runs by Josh Flores and Kyle Maunus. Six different Slammers knocked in runs that included four by Flores and three by Maunus. The Slammers had two big innings as they scored six runs in both the 3rd and 5th innings that propelled the team to a 14-4 blowout victory. Flores had a 3-run homer in the third and the big blow in the 5th was a 2-run single by David Fox. Billy Petrick had a solid outing as he pitched seven innings, scattered nine hits, struck out six and allowed two runs for the win.

JUNE 24

2011– The previous game the Slammers offense was charged up, but on this night the bats were silent as they mustered just three hits against Windy City Thunderbolts starter Todd Privett. Privett pitched a complete game as he also struck out nine batters and walked none. The only scoring for the game came in the top of the 2nd when the Thunderbolts scored five times that included a 2-run single by former Slammer Devin Shepherd who was released by the Slammers on June 1. “Captain” Jake Renshaw suffered the loss.

JUNE 25

2011– The Slammers traveled up to Rockford to take on the Riverhawks, and in just under two in a half hours the Slammers would be on the good side of a shutout after being shutout the previous game by the Windy City Thunderbolts. In this game against Rockford, an RBI single by Josh Flores that scored Ben Hewett in the 3rd inning and a sacrifice fly by Erik Lis that scored Bobby Leeper in the 5th inning would be all the runs Slammers starting pitcher Andrew Moss would need. Moss was in the zone as he allowed just four hits and struck out eight, and walked three. The third walk came in the bottom of the 9th with two outs and that’s when Moss wouldn’t go the distance as Ryan Quigley came in and induced a fly out to left to preserve the Slammers 2-0 win.

JUNE 26

2011– The Slammers scored a run in the top of the 1st inning on a lead off home run by Bobby Leeper. That would be all they would score as the Rockford Riverhawks scored four unanswered runs as the Slammers were defeated 4-1. Leeper would be the offense as he had three of the team’s four hits. Brian Fowler was the hard luck loser as he pitched six solid innings, struck out five, walked two and allowed five hits. All four runs were unearned as the Slammers committed three errors.

JUNE 27

2011– Leading the Rockford Riverhawks 2-1 after three innings, the Slammers were unable to hold the lead as the Riverhawks scored six runs to take a 7-2 lead in the bottom of the 4th that included a 2-run single by Greg Van Horn. The Slammers scored four runs in the top of the 5th inning with two outs as they had three consecutive run scoring hits including a 2-run double by Bobby Leeper to get within a run at 7-6. The Riverhawks would tack on three more runs as the Slammers fell 10-6.

JUNE 29

2011– Down in Marion, IL the Slammers trailed the Southern Illinois Miners 2-0 after three innings. In the top of the 4th inning the Slammers tied the score on a Kyle Maunus sacrifice fly and an RBI triple by David Fox. The Slammers broke the tie with two runs in the 6th inning as Fox came through with a 2-run homer and scored another run in the 7th inning on an RBI single by Erik Lis. Slammers starter Jake Renshaw pitched a solid seven innings and allowed two runs. Brian Smith pitched a scoreless 8th inning, and in the 9th inning Slammers closer Ryan Quigley ran into trouble by loading the bases and gave up a 2-run single to Josh Womack. The next batter would ground out to second to end the game and a close Slammers 5-4 victory.

JUNE 30

2011– The Slammers managed just four singles and are shutout by the Southern Illinois Miners 5-0. Miners starter David Harden goes eight innings for the win. Slammers starter Billy Petrick went five innings and gave up three runs to be tagged for the loss.

JULY 1

2011– The Slammers and Southern Illinois Miners were locked in a scoreless tie through five innings before the Slammers scored five times in the 6th inning. Three of the five runs were unearned due to an error and Erik Lis also smacked a 2-run double. In the top of the 7th the Slammers had two quick outs before an error by Miners third baseman Cannon Lester allowed Bobby Leeper to get on base. Brad Netzel followed with a home run to extend the Slammers lead to 7-0. In the bottom of the 8th Slammers starting pitcher Brian Fowler gave up two runs and in the 9th the Miners tallied a run off reliever Brian Smith but that was all as the Slammers won handily 7-3.

JULY 2

2011– The Slammers hosted the Normal Cornbelters for a Fourth of July weekend series and on this day the Slammers offense was like fireworks as they lashed out 15 hits that led to 10 runs. In the bottom of the 1st the Slammers had a 2-out rally with five consecutive singles that included RBI hits by David Fox, Sean Estand, and a 2-run single by Kyle Maunus. The Slammers struck for five runs in the bottom of the 3rd that included a 2-run homer by Erik Lis and a 2-run double by Bobby Leeper to give the Slammers a big 9-0 lead. Maunus would have another RBI as his single in the 6th brought home Lis for a 10-0 lead. In the top of the 8th the Cornbelters avoided the shutout with an unearned run. Slammers starter Tommy Mendoza pitched five scoreless innings for the win in a 10-1 shucking of the Corn.

JULY 3

2011– The Slammers trailed the Normal Cornbelters 1-0 due to an unearned run in the top of the 2nd, and late inning offense by the Slammers made the home crowd of 3,545 happy in the end. Back to back RBI doubles in the bottom of the 7th by Bobby Leeper and Brad Netzel with two outs was just enough runs. In the top of the 9th, Slammers closer Ryan Quigley would get two quick outs but then ran into trouble as a walk, double, and walk loaded the bases. Quigley would then strike out the next batter to end the game with a 2-1 victory.

JULY 4

2011– On a rare Monday game since it was the Fourth of July the Normal Cornbelters celebrated with fireworks while the Slammers were stuck with duds. In the top of the 1st an error by second baseman Ben Ferrell led to two unearned runs to give the Cornbelters a 2-0 advantage. Later in the top of the 7th Slammers pitching gave up six runs as both starter Jake Renshaw and reliever Chris Pack gave up runs. The Slammers offense managed just four hits and struck out 13 times as the first Fourth of July game in franchise history wasn’t memorable as the Slammers were shutout 8-0.

JULY 5

2011– The Slammers hosted the Southern Illinois Miners and Slammers left fielder David Fox led off the bottom of the 2nd inning with a home run for a 1-0 advantage. The Miners scored the next five runs off of Billy Petrick that put the Slammers behind 5-1, but the Slammers in the bottom of the 4th inning scored two runs on Fox’s second dinger of the game to get the Slammers within two. In the bottom of the 5th Bobby Leeper hit a solo home run and Lis added an RBI single that tied game at five. In the bottom of the 7th, Lis came through again with a 2-run single that gave the Slammers a 7-5 lead. In the 8th inning Brian Smith pitched a scoreless one, two, three inning and Ryan Quigley came in the 9th for the save and a Billy Petrick win in a 7-5 victory.

JULY 6

2011– The Slammers and Southern Illinois Miners were tied at 2, but then in the bottom of the 4th Brad Netzel came through with an RBI single to give the Slammers a 3-2 lead. Erik Lis’ RBI single in the bottom of the 5th that scored Trey Manz was a key insurance run as the Miners scored in the top of the 7th that cut the Slammers lead to one. Four Slammers relievers combined for 2.2 scoreless innings in a 4-3 victory.

JULY 7

2011– The Slammers held a 3-2 lead over the Southern Illinois Miners that included two unearned runs in the 3rd. However, the Miners scored two runs in the 5th on a 2-run homer by Will Block to overtake the Slammers 4-2, then the Miners broke the game open with six runs in the top of the 6th. Those runs scored on a bases loaded walk, followed by a hit by pitch that scored a run, and then a grand slam by Sean Coughlin that increased the Miners lead to seven. In the bottom of the inning Erik Lis hit a solo homer but the Slammers were unable to score anymore as they lost 10-4.

JULY 8

2011– The Slammers were in the land of the corn down in Normal, IL as they faced the CornBelters and quickly trailed 2-0 after the 1st inning due to a Frank Martinez 2-run blast. After six innings the Slammers trailed 3-1 but a clutch 3-run homer by John Wagle put the Slammers ahead 4-3 and in the 9th David Fox’s RBI single gave the Slammers a 5-3 advantage. Ryan Quigley struck out two as he a pitched a 1,2,3 ninth to earn the save for Jeremy Tietze who got the win as he pitched 1.1 innings of scoreless relief.

2012– A big bottom of the 1st inning led the host Joliet Slammers to get past the Normal CornBelters . The CornBelters scored twice to start the game as an error and an RBI single by former Slammer Trey Manz gave them a 2-0 lead off of Slammers starter Stephen Maxwell. The Slammers stormed back that included a 2-run homer by David Fox for a 4-2 advantage. In the bottom of the 3rd inning Fox added an RBI single as the Slammers defeated the CornBelters 5-3 on a nice summer Sunday afternoon. Maxwell pitched a magnificent game as he pitched eight innings, scattered 8 hits, allowed 2 earned runs, walked none and struck out 7. Amalio Diaz struck out the side in the 9th to earn the save.

JULY 9

2011– The Normal CornBelters scored twice on a 2-run homer by Frank Martinez in the 1st inning off Slammers starter “Captain” Jake Renshaw, but that was the only blemish for Renshaw. The Slammers offense scored six unanswered runs throughout the game that included 2 RBI’s from David Fox and Ben Hewett. Renshaw settled down to pitch a complete game where he allowed seven hits, walked two and struck out six.

JULY 10

2011– The Slammers broke through in the top of the 3rd inning as they scored three runs on a two out homer by Kyle Maunus to break a 2-2 tie to grab a 5-2 advantage over the Normal CornBelters. In the bottom of the 4th the CornBelters got within one run on a 2-run single by Allen Miller, but the Slammers continued to answer to retain the lead as a David Fox 2-run homer in the top of the 5th gave the Slammers a 7-4 lead. Ryan Quigley pitched a scoreless 9th to earn the save as Billy Petrick got the win as he pitched 5 innings to get the win as the Slammers completed the 3-game road sweep in the final game before the Frontier League All-Star Break.

JULY 13

2011- Frontier League All-Star Game at All-Pro Freight Stadium in Avon, OH. The East defeated the West 4-2. The Slammers Erik Lis went 2 for 3 with a triple, 2 RBI and scored a run and was named All-Star Game MVP. The Slammers Bobby Leeper went 0 for 3 and Slammers closer Ryan Quigley pitched a scoreless 2nd inning with a walk and strikeout.

JULY 15

2011– In the first game after the All-Star Break, the Slammers hosted the Rockford RiverHawks and runs were scarce. The Slammers scored first in the bottom of the 2nd on a 2 out home run from Kyle Maunus for a 1-0 lead. Both pitching staffs stymied each offense as RiverHawks starting pitcher Joe Scumaci was in control after giving up the home run. Scumaci pitched eight innings allowed six hits, walked three and struck out nine. For the Slammers, starting pitcher Ryne Miller twirled seven shutout innings, allowed just two hits, walked two and struck out seven. Brian Smith pitched a scoreless 8th inning and Ryan Quigley came in the 9th vying to protect the slim 1-0 lead. However, the usually reliable Quigley got into trouble and allowed a 1 out RBI single to Matt Greener that tied the game. Then a bases loaded walk brought in an unearned run as Jason James, who earlier in the inning advanced on a dropped third strike by catcher Trey Manz, scored the go ahead run for a 2-1 RiverHawks lead. The Slammers threatened in the bottom of the 9th as Kyle Maunus reached on an one out error and Brad Netzel doubled. Kris Kasarjian wad intentionally walked to load the bases but Bobby Leeper grounded to the third baseman who threw home to force out Maunus. John Wagle followed as he grounded out to shortstop who got the game ending force out at second. As the Slammers lost a tough one 2-1.

JULY 16

2011– The Slammers hosted the Rockford RiverHawks and Slammers starting pitcher Andrew Moss allowed five runs in the top of the 1st inning; however, due to two Slammers errors only one of those runs were earned as the Slammers were behind 5-0 quickly. In the bottom of the 2nd inning DH Erik Lis led off the inning with a solo home run and they added two more on a ground out by Ben Hewett and a single from Bobby Leeper to cut the RiverHawks lead to two at 5-3. The RiverHawks added a run in the 4th on a sacrifice fly but the Slammers answered that tally with a David Fox RBI double. The RiverHawks answered that run in the top of the 7th with a run to make the score 7-4. In the bottom of the 9th the Slammers could only muster one run on a Lis sacrifice fly as the Slammers were defeated 7-5.

JULY 17

2011– The RiverHawks flew south from Rockford to Joliet to face the Slammers and both teams offenses were on full display. The RiverHawks scored three runs in the top of the 1st when Jason James belted a Tommy Mendoza pitch over the fence for a 3-run homer as the Slammers quickly fell behind. The Slammers roared back in the bottom of the 2nd as they scored six runs (2 earned). The lead grew to six as the Slammers scored in the 3rd on a Kyle Maunus homer and two runs in the 4th on a 2-run single from Erik Lis. After a four run top of the 7th by the RiverHawks the Slammers lead was cut to 11-8. The Slammers got an insurance run in the bottom of the 7th on a sacrifice fly by Ben Hewett. With two outs in the top of the 9th the RiverHawks scored twice off of closer Ryan Quigley but he finally got the third out as the Slammers hung on for a 12-10 win. Mendoza pitched six innings, allowed six hits and gave up four runs while walking one and struck out five to get the win. Offensively Hector Pellot was on fire as he went 2-4 with two home runs and five RBI’s.

JULY 18

2011– On a 90 degree morning the Slammers made the short drive to Crestwood to battle the Windy City Thunderbolts. The game was scoreless until the Thunderbolts scratched across a run in the bottom of the 5th against Slammers starter Jake Renshaw. The Slammers responded in the top of the 6th on an RBI double by Kyle Maunus and a 2-run single from Sean Estand for a 3-1 lead. In the top of the 8th the Slammers added a run and in the top of the 9th the Slammers added four insurance runs that included a 2-run single by Bobby Leeper and an RBI single from Josh Flores. Despite giving up a one out walk and single in the bottom of the 9th, Renshaw retired the next two batters for a complete game victory that the Slammers won 8-1. Renshaw was dominant as he allowed just four hits, one run, walked three and struck out five. The Slammers had 16 hits but also left 12 men on base.

JULY 19

2011– The Slammers offense was productive in the first three innings in Crestwood against the Windy City Thunderbolts as the Slammers led 7-0 after three. A four run second inning was made possible by an error by Thunderbolts third baseman Nick Kuroczko on a ball hit by Josh Flores that scored Kyle Maunus and then Brad Netzel followed with a 3-run double. On the mound for the Slammers Brian Fowler was magnificent as he pitched 6.2 innings giving up only three hits, walked four and struck out six, and one run as the Thunderbolts finally scored in the 7th. Jeremy Tietze and Chuck Lukanen pitched 2.1 innings of perfect relief. The Slammers added two runs in the 8th on RBI singles by David Fox and Maunus for a 9-1 final.

All statistic, scores, dates, player, and team references credited to PointStreak and the Frontier League website.

Game recaps written by Craig Lichtenwalter.