Moises Castillo’s three-run double in the bottom of the eighth was the difference maker in the Peoria Chiefs 8-5 victory over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Saturday night at Dozer Park. The win clinched the six-game series for the hosts and extended their winning streak to four games.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth, Castillo broke a 5-5 tie with a stand-up double to the gap in left center that cleared the bases and would be the eventual game-winning hit.
The Chiefs wasted no time cracking the scoreboard, rattling off five runs in the first two innings. Malcom Nunez hit his first home run of the campaign – a two-run shot – in the first inning. In the second inning Castillo lined a double to left field that scored Leandro Cedeno, which was followed up by a solo shot to deep right field by Alec Burleson that gave Peoria an early 5-0 cushion.
Wisconsin responded in the top of the third on an RBI liner to center by Gabriel Garcia. The Timber Rattlers would have the bases loaded with one out, but the hosts got out of the jam with a strikeout and fly out to leave the three runners stranded.
The Timber Rattlers threatened in the top of the fourth with the bases loaded, but Logan Gragg struck out Nick Kahle to get out of the jam.
Wisconsin rallied for three runs in the eighth inning to tie the game at five apiece.
Michael Brettell threw three innings of relief for the Chiefs, striking out seven on two hits and one earned run.
The two teams will conclude the six-game series tomorrow with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 p.m. at Dozer Park.
