The Joliet Slammers (8-10) came out firing, but couldn't hang on to the lead, ending up on the losing side of a 5-2 ballgame against the Evansville Otters (11-7) on Wednesday at Bosse Field.

While the Joliet Slammers led until the eighth inning, the Evansville Otters worked their way back and took the lead on a three-run home run by Chris Sweeney.

Sweeney racked up three RBIs on one hit for the Evansville Otters. He homered in the eighth inning.

The Joliet Slammers were led by Melvin Rodriguez's hitting. Rodriguez went 2-4, drove in one and scored one run. He homered in the third inning and singled in the ninth inning.

Tyler Thompson improved to 1-1 on the year by picking up the win for the Evansville Otters. Thompson struck out one, walked none and gave up one hit.

Brent Choban (0-3) took the loss for the Joliet Slammers. He lasted just 1 2/3 innings, walked one, struck out three, and allowed three runs.