The Bombers capitalized on a stellar seven-run inning and won the first game of the 2011 season Wednesday night at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek.

After two scoreless innings, Waterloo drew first blood in the third when Bucks third baseman Cameron Perkins singled into left field. But the Bombers battled back, batting through the order in the third where four different players recorded RBI. Jimmy Martinez got things rolling when he singled with the bases loaded, with Bryce Redecker , Danny Rockett and Troy White piling on with hits in the following at-bats. The Bucks would never recover, despite scoring in the fourth, seventh, and eighth.

Bombers catcher Matt Hitt was extremely effective at the plate, going 3-4 with an RBI and scoring in the third despite hitting in the eight slot.

Battle Creek’s lone All-Star from 2010, Joe Battestelli, picked up the win, throwing five impressive innings and allowing just two runs. Local pitcher Scott Simmons threw mid-relief, and Ben Ballentine and his 90+ mph fastball got credit for the close.

The Bombers look to win the 2011 season’s opening series tomorrow night when they host the Bucks again at 7:05. Fans can enjoy Thirsty Thursday at Michigan’s largest outdoor bar.

Box Score