Merrillville, Ind. — July 24, 2020 — Despite a tremendous showing from its hitters, the Joliet Generals fall in defeat to the Crestwood Panthers for the third time in 2020.
The Generals (3-13) roared ahead in the third, scoring three runs on four of its 11 total hits. That would not last even one half-inning as the Panthers (9-8) pounced back with four of their own to take a one-run lead.
Joliet was then able to tie the game in the fourth. After that, it was all Crestwood.
Vitulli’s squad was led by a strong 4-4 effort at the plate from Daniel Gutierrez (Chicago State / Chicago Heights, Ill.). The Generals also received two-hit games from Thomas Schroeder (Triton College / St. Charles, Ill.) and Michael Vaca (Triton College / Bartlett, Ill.).
“We had good at-bats,” manager Matt Vitulli said. “One through nine, I think we had some pretty good at-bats. All we have been talking about are timely hits. We are big on getting the two-out single with no one on, rather than bearing down and getting that two-out with guys on second and third. (Our problem) is just timely hitting.”
On the mound, Andrew Hancock (Central Missouri / New Lenox, Ill.) went two-plus innings in his start, allowing three runs and striking out two. Zack Zborowski (Joliet Junior College/ Valparaiso, Ind.), who was credited with the loss, threw four innings of three-run baseball while striking out four Panthers. Jacob Newman (Rutgers / Glenview, Ill.) also allowed four runs in two relief innings.
Tomorrow’s originally scheduled game between the Generals and Panthers has been canceled and will not be made up.
Joliet will be back in action on Sunday afternoon at Dyer Central Park in Dyer, Ind. as they welcome the MCL Minutemen at 1 p.m. With no broadcast, you can follow the live action on GameChanger.