Punchless Slammers Get Bums' Rush

The Traverse City Beach Bums (30-28) scored three runs in the seventh to take the lead for good as they knocked off the Slammers (32-25) by a final score of 4-1 Sunday evening.

The Beach Bums got on the board first when Greg Burns hit a home run in the second inning. Slammers starter Jake Renshaw (6-4) worked around a bases loaded jam in the third and then settled down to retire 11 in a row.

Meanwhile the Slammers had no answer for Traverse City starter Rick Raraigh until they finally broke through in the seventh.

Sean Estand drew a walk and moved to second on a Trey Manz sacrifice bunt. One out later Tobi Adeyemi singled home Estand to tie the game at one.

Renshaw, coming off two straight complete games, ran out of gas in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, three straight singles loaded the bases. Renshaw did get a big strike out but with two away Tom Zebroski singled up the middle to give the Beach Bums a 2-1 edge.

Chuck Lukanen entered the game and was greeted by a JT Hall two-RBI single to give Traverse City some insurance.

The Beach Bums didn’t need it though because Joliet’s offense failed to score again as they tallied only four hits in the contest. With the loss the Slammers are only ½ game ahead of the Windy City ThunderBolts in the East Division.

Joliet will look to bounce back Monday night as Brian Fowler (4-1, 1.65 ERA) takes the mound. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m.