OFFICIAL FRONTIER LEAGUE BOX SCORE

The New York Boulders’ bid for a mountainous comeback fell just short against the Joliet Slammers in a 7-5 final on Wednesday morning.

Joliet (6-5) jumped out to a five-run lead in the bottom of the first inning and added two more insurance runs in the seventh inning. New York (6-5) rallied for five runs and brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth, but the Boulders’ luck ran dry. The loss snaps a four-game winning streak for the Boulders.

New York was led on offense by Giovanni Garbella, whose bases-clearing three-run double in the ninth pulled the Boulders within one pitch of tying the game. Thomas Walraven and Chris Kwitzer each drove in and scored one run in the loss. Matt McDermott was the only Boulders player with multiple hits, finishing 2 for 4.

Lane Baremore paced the Slammers’ offense, going 3 for 5 with three RBI in the win. Matt McGarry added two RBI for Joliet. Cole Cook earned the win after going 8 1/3 innings and striking out nine batters. Cook allowed just three earned runs and four hits.

The Boulders and Slammers will play a rubber match to close out the series Thursday morning. While the Boulders are on the road, Clover Stadium will be hosting the 2023 MAAC baseball championships all week starting Wednesday. For information on tickets, value packs and more, visit the Boulders’ official website at www.nyboulders.com.