Baseball

Chicago Heights, Ill. – June 20, 2022 – The Generals’ offense was hot early and the bullpen held down a narrow lead for the Gens to grab the win Monday.

They won by a final of 11-8.

Joliet got off to a quick start leading 7-0 after four innings. Even with the offense cooking, starting pitcher Cooper Avery threw a gem of a game. Avery had a no-hitter going through five innings and ended up going five and a third allowing only two hits and three runs.

“He had complete command of the zone,” Manager Joe Silva said. “He is going to get his strikeouts but it was the soft contact today and he kept the hitters off-balance which is what he is masterful at.”

Another huge part of the game was the defense of both teams. For the Generals they ended with five errors however in the bottom of the eighth inning catcher Dino Biggers had a wild pitch go by him and was able to recover to get the runner at home. Along with that huge defensive play, Biggers had a two-RBI hit in the ninth inning to extend the lead to three runs.

“I am trying to keep it simple and not trying to score everyone in one swing,” Biggers said.

Along with a huge win today for Joliet, they also had a collegiate debut which was Alex Vertuno who came from high school baseball to play for the Generals. He was also able to get a hit in his debut. His older brother, Aaron Vertuno,  also had a huge impact on the game. He went one and a third giving up no hits or runs and was credited with his first save of the season.

“He was able to escape the jam in the eighth and was able to get a quick out in the ninth,” Silva said.” I think that was an ultimate confidence booster for him and our guys rallied with a couple insurance runs as well in the ninth.”

The Generals’ next game is against the Northwest Indiana Oilmen in a doubleheader at Lee Pfund Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. and the broadcast will be available on Facebook Live.