Hillsinger was the hero of the second game. Photo by Jeff Lautenberger.
SILVER SPRING - - The Thunderbolts split a doubleheader with the Herndon Braves yesterday, losing the first game 9-4 and winning the second 1-0.
Spencer Cromer, making his second appearance for the 'Bolts, started the first game and ran into some trouble early. After errors by middle infielders Matt Greene and Curtis Wilson put runners on in the top of the first, Cromer hit Connor Mullee with a pitch and walked Matt Simone, scoring a run and leaving the bases loaded for Chris Taylor. The Virginia Cavalier hit a grand slam to left field, scoring four more unearned runs against Cromer.
The 'Bolts were able to put some runs together, including a two-run home run by Greene in the bottom of the fifth, but that first inning was too much for the 'Bolts, losing it 9-4. Cromer's final line: five innings pitched and two earned runs on four hits and three walks. The five unearned runs, however, sunk the T-Bolts' chances.
Mike Loeb took the mound for the 'Bolts in the second game against Ryan Miller, and both threw absolute gems. Loeb allowed one hit and no runs in 5.2 innings, while Miller allowed one hit and no runs in 5 innings. In the top of the sixth with two outs, a lightning delay postponed the game for about an hour, and when the game was resumed, both managers pulled their starters. Mike Bzozowski came in for the 'Bolts and continued Loeb's great effort, pitching 1.1 innings of shutout ball.
Josh Allman came in to pitch for the Braves in the bottom of the sixth, retiring Jacob Darr, Chris Holland, and Big Dan Kassouf in order. In the bottom of the seventh, however, he ran in to trouble. After serving up singles to Devin Rivers and Mark Hill to start the inning, Allman threw a wild pitch, advancing both runners. Allman intentionally walked catcher Mike Knight to load the bases, and struck out Casey Allison. Matt Hillsinger singled down the right field line, scoring pinch-runner Curtis Wilson, and the 'Bolts had a walk-off victory.
The T-Bolts are now 8-15 on the year, moving in to a tie for last place with the Rockville Express, and are 9 games behind the first place Bethesda Big Train. The 'Bolts play tonight at Four Mile Run Park against the Alexandria Aces at 7 P.M., and tomorrow at home against the College Park Bombers at the same time.
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