06/01/2024
Zimmerman delivered an absolute stunner with two come-from-behind rallies to beat Elk River 13-12. The game, played under light rain that turned heavy by the sixth inning, saw the Thunder utilizing this matchup as their home game due to their fields being replaced this year, granting them last ups.
Elk River came ready to compete with impressive pitching and several stellar defensive plays. However, the Thunder's resilience shone through in a dramatic fashion.
Thunderbolt Player of the Game: Drake
Drake earned the Thunderbolt Player of the Game award with his outstanding performance, especially in the sixth inning. He was involved in all three outs, with the last two being truly phenomenal. Despite the heavy rain, Drake charged, dove, and made two incredible catches, crucially keeping the score close.
Other Game Highlights:
• With the score at 4-7 and bases loaded, Jack connected for a deep shot well over the right fielder’s head. The crowd erupted and there was pandemonium in the dugout, urging the baserunners to sprint all the way. Jack’s four-run grand slam propelled Zimmerman into the lead at 8-7.
• In the top of the 5th, Elk River threatened again with one out and two on, with Zimmerman trailing by a run. Elk River’s Griffen, hit a deep ball to center field, but Markus made a perfect play. He backed up and with momentum coming forward caught the fly ball and unleashed his hardest throw of the year, gunning down Elk River’s Noah attempting to tag from third base for the final out of the 5th.
• Thomas continued his hot batting streak at the plate, going 3-for-3. Somebody check that bat. He is a hitting machine!
• Zimmerman had a three-up, three-down inning, thanks to Barrett’s sizzling pitching. He threw just six pitches: the first batter grounded out to Jack at short with a throw to Declan, the second hit a fly ball to right center caught by Brantley running to his left, and the third batter’s shot to right was snagged by Drake.
Next up, the Thunder will face Foley on Monday at 6 pm. See you soon for another thrilling night of baseball. Go Thunder!