A five-run explosion in the fifth inning carried the Evansville Otters (14-6) to an 8-2 win over the Joliet Slammers (8-12) at Silver Cross Field on Saturday.

The Evansville Otters scored in the fifth on a groundout by Cory Urquhart, a double by Ronnie Richardson, , a single by Nik Balog, a two-run single by Chris Sweeney, an RBI single by John Schultz, and a single by Schultz.

Shayne Houck racked up three RBIs on two hits for the Evansville Otters.

Connor Little had an impressive outing against the Joliet Slammers' lineup. The Joliet Slammers managed just one hit off of Little, who allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out five during his 1 2/3 innings of work.

Tyler Vail improved to 2-0 on the year by picking up the win for the Evansville Otters. He allowed one run over six innings. Vail struck out three, walked seven and gave up five hits.

Kevin Walter couldn't get it done on the hill for the Joliet Slammers, taking a loss. He allowed eight runs in six innings, walked two and struck out four.