JOLIET, IL–The River City Rascals lost their fourth straight game on Wednesday afternoon at Route 66 Stadium, dropping the middle game of their series against the Joliet Slammers 7-1. The Slammers sent 12 men to the plate and scored six runs in the decisive third inning, cruising to the victory.
The Rascals scored first, on an RBI single from Zach Lavy in the first inning. Disaster struck in the third, however, as the Slammers drew six walks, including four consecutive, and took advantage of two Rascals errors to score six runs in the frame on just two hits. Ridge Hoopii-Haslem scored on an error and later drove in two runs on a single, registering both Slammers hits in the inning. Joliet also got a bases loaded walk from LJ Kalawaia, an RBI fielder’s choice from Danny Zardon and a sacrifice fly by Trenton Hill.
The Slammers tacked on an additional run in the eighth, on an RBI single from Kalawaia. The Rascals had just four total base runners after the first inning.
Slammers starter Darren Osby (2-1) earned the win, and was brilliant after a rough first inning. He was able to strand the bases loaded to end the first and never looked back, finishing with six innings, allowing just three hits, one run, two walks and striking out eight. Taylor Goshen allowed just two hits over the final three innings to pick up the save.
Rascals starter Lucas Laster (1-4) exited the game in the third, and though he allowed just one hit, he walked four and allowed five runs, three of which were earned. Rascals reliever Ryan Orr gave the Rascals three innings out of the bullpen, allowing just an unearned run, while walking three.
The Rascals (30-26) look to avoid the series sweep at the hands of the Slammers (32-24) tomorrow night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm CT. Josh Kimborowicz will get the start for the Rascals.
