KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Joliet JackHammers took an early 5-0 lead after three innings off Kansas City T-Bones starter Larkin Braxton, giving JackHammers starter Nick Renault plenty of support as he shut out the T-Bones in a 6-0 Joliet victory at Silver Cross Field.

Braxton got the first two batters he faced in the first inning before allowing the next five batters to reach safely on three singles and two walks.  Cory Harris and Juan Diaz both singled and scored in the inning, on a single by Chad Ehrnsberger and a walk by Tim Hutting respectively.  Joliet would add two more in the second inning on a two-RBI double from Harris that scored Eric Scriven and Chris Brown.  Braxton would take the loss after lasting just two and a third innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits in the contest.

Renault threw his sixth career complete game, first of the season, allowing just five hits and striking out seven in the victory.  The best chance for Kansas City came in the fifth inning when they loaded the bases with two singles and a walk, but Renault got Rob Watson to fly out to end the threat.  It was the only time the T-Bones got a runner past second in the game.

Trevor Caughey pitched well in relief for the T-Bones, allowing one run on three hits in three and two-thirds innings of work.  Justin Costi and Brett Reid both threw scoreless innings for Kansas City.

The teams will face off again tomorrow night with Lavon Lewis taking the mound for Kansas City against Nate Sevier for Joliet.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Game Notes:  Rob Watson’s eight-game hit streak ended with a 0-4 night…Joliet snapped a three game losing streak with the victory…With the loss, the T-Bones dropped to 2-9 on the road this season.