CRESTWOOD, IL- The Gateway Grizzlies dropped their third consecutive game Friday night, losing 11-1 to the Windy City Thunderbolts in the first of a three-game series at Standard Bank Stadium.
The loss dropped the Grizzlies (41-38) into a tie for the final playoff spot in the Frontier League. The Grizzlies are tied with Traverse City, which is also 41-38. The Grizzlies own the tiebreaker.
The Grizzlies managed just four hits Friday night against three Windy City pitchers. Charlie Lisk was the only Grizzlies player with more than a single hit. He was 2-4 and drove in the only run of the night.
Mike Breyman and Stephen Holdren each had a hit for the Grizzlies. Holdren scored the only run after doubling in the eighth inning.
Windy City (47-32) won their 12th straight home game with Friday's win. They have won 14 of their last 15 games overall.
Derek Blacksher (9-5) suffered the loss for the Grizzlies. It is the third loss in his last four starts. He lasted just 5.1 innings. He gave up six runs, five earned, on six hits. He walked four and struck out four.
Stephen Flake (8-3) pitched 7.3 innings in the start for the Thunderbolts. He allowed one run on four hits. He struck out five and walked five.