The Bats opened their 2016 campaign with an 11-8 loss to the Cubs on Sunday morning at Plote Field. The altruistic Bats gave up 4 unearned runs while committing 6 errors, which proved to be the difference in the game.

Matt Weiss started on the mound for the Bats with a shaky first inning, allowing 3 runs on 2 walks and 3 hits. The right-hander settled down after that, but was the victim of shabby defense as 5 errors led to unearned runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings.  Weiss left the game with 2 outs in the fifth as lefty Bill Quoss came on in relief to record the final out.  In 4 2/3 innings Weiss gave up 6 runs (3 earned) surrendering 6 hits and 5 walks.  He struck out 6 and picked off a runner at first base in the second inning.

The Bats battled back with a 4-run third inning and single runs in the fourth and fifth to knot the score at 6-6.  Bob Gurchak put the Bats on the board in the third with a bases loaded walk.  This was followed by an RBI single by Quoss, a sacrifice fly by Weiss and an RBI single by Jeff McClellan.

After falling behind, 5-4, in the fourth the Bats came back with a run of their own as Rich Skibski drove home Tony DiBlasi.  In the fifth DiBlasi had an RBI single to tie the game again at 6-6.

The Cubs jumped on the Bats relief putching for 3 runs in the sixth and 2 more in the seventh to take an 11-6 lead.  The Bats added 2 runs in their half of the seventh to pull within 11-8, but closed out the contest with runners on first and third and the tying run at the plate.

Hitting stars for the Bats included McClellan and Skibski with 3 hits apiece, and DiBlasi and Quoss with 2 hits each.  Skibski also had 2 RBI and 3 stolen bases, while DiBlasi scored 2 runs.

The Bats next game is Sunday, April 24 at 1 p.m. at Plote Field in Lake in the Hills.