The Evansville Otters faltered in the late innings against the Windy City Thunderbolts as the Otters lost 7-2 on Friday evening at Bosse Field in front of 2,420 fans.
Windy City struck first on a two-run double from Axel Johnson in the third inning to jump ahead 2-0.
Evansville got one back in the bottom of the inning on an RBI groundout from Jeff Gardner.
The Otters tied the game on a Hunter Cullen sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fourth.
Larry Balkwill put Windy City back in front with a solo home run in the top of the eighth inning.
Windy City blew the game open with four runs in the top of the ninth. Tim Zier knocked an RBI single and was followed by Blair Beck who knocked home a run with a base hit. Tyler Straub capped off the inning with a two-run triple.
Patrick Ledet gets the win for Windy City after stranding the bases loaded to end the bottom of the seventh.
Tyler Beardsley is hung with his fifth loss of the season after allowing the game-winning homer to Balkwill in the top of the eighth.
Randy Wynne started for Evansville and was given a no-decision after throwing seven innings, allowing two runs, while punching out 10 batters.
Jake Welch also got a no decision for Windy City. Welch went 6.2 innings allowing two runs on four hits while striking out three.
The two teams continue their series tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. at Bosse Field which is Princess night at the ballpark.
Otters stumble late in loss to Thunderbolts
